Researchers from the University of Exeter and University of Brunel produced the printer and interface software, which is able to manufacture 3D chocolate objects, in collaboration with software developer Delcam.
They said that in the long term the technology could be used by customers to design their own products themselves – tailor-made to their needs and preferences.
“What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own products. In the long term it could be developed to help consumers custom- design many products,” said Dr Liang Hao of the University of Exeter, who led the research project.
“From reproducing the shape of a child’s favourite toy to a friend’s face, the possibilities are endless and only limited by our creativity,” he added.
3D printing
Hao said that using the printer allows you to create your own designs on a computer and reproduce them 3D chocolate form by building thin layers of chocolate on top of each other.
He told FoodNavigator that the printer, which is an adapted version of 3D printers used to manufacture plastics, can produce almost any shape of chocolate, in intricate 3D designs.
Although the platform is currently small, Hao also said that the technology could, in theory, produce much larger objects, and noted that it is also possible to produce hollow objects which may mean products created with the technology could “do more with less.”
“There is also no wastage,” he added, “as any unused or spoiled material can be eaten of course!”
The technology will also print on top of many existing products, including large solid blocks of chocolate and cakes or biscuits, said Hao – meaning that the printing technology can help to save time and expense by only being used for the finer details of products.
Challenging
Hao told FoodNavigator that chocolate initially proved a challenging material to work with because it requires accurate heating and cooling cycles.
He noted that such variables must be integrated with optimum flow rates for the 3D printing process, and as such required new temperature control systems.
The printer does also have certain limitations, said Hao, noting that because it works on a layering principle, it is difficult to create overhanging areas.