Casio has developed a 2.5D printer called Mofrel which can produce high quality plastic “leather”, currently on display in Japan. 

You’ve heard of a 3D printer and you probably used a 2D printer, but what about a 2.5D printer? No, this isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds. Casio is showcasing a technology which they’re calling Mofrel and it works as a “2.5D printer.”

The reason for calling it 2.5D, rather than 3D, is that the printer can only create designs with a depth of 1.7 milimeters. This is much thinner than a regular 3D printer.

However, 1.7 milimeters can still offer a great deal of use when it comes to rapidly prototyping leather. The company states on their website: “If actual materials are used when creating design samples, there are many issues such as time, budget, and management.”

Mofrel solves these issues. But, as of yet, the prints aren’t durable enough to be used as proper leather. Casio adds that the sheets would wear out within five years of use.

Instead, designers can use the leather for concept cars as it take just five minutes to print. Essentially, 2.5D printing could reduce the production time needed to create the concept cars at your favorite auto show.

How Does the Mofrel 2.5D Print System Work?

The way Mofrel works is to start with sheets of material which are just a few millimeters thick. Every sheet is made of layers of PET and PVC plastic. Next, the printer applies a gray scale pattern onto the sheets.

Heat is applied to the dark areas of the plastic sheet which reacts and expands. The result is a leather design with the desired depth and texture.

The designer can then pull off a thin peeling which removes the black coloring and a white sheet is left behind. This can be colored using an inkjet process. With this process, it’s possible to choose from 16 million different colors.

Although this technology doesn’t offer particularly durable sheets, by adding protective lacquers it’s possible to enhance the quality. Currently, the price of the printer is high at around $45,000. But, this is likely to decrease if the technology takes off.

The Casio Mofrel printer is ready to ship next year, so keep your eyes peeled for fake leather designs. Head to the company’s website to find out more.

Source: CNET Road Show