3D chocolate printing has yet to become a reality, but the technology can be used to produce highly detailed chocolate moulds, according to a US packaging design company.
This innovation uses 3D printing to create mould textures for consumer products and artistic design on chocolates.
These so-called Surface Skins enable product manufacturers to create mould textures on plastic - and chocolate - in a way that's never been done before, according to Lehrmitt Design Studios.
Surface Skins create new possibilities for product developers to create innovative, fresh new designs in a cost-effective way, according to the company.
“3D printing solutions add an artist’s touch to assembly line chocolate candy,” it says. “This new design technique allows large manufacturers and boutique chocolate makers to offer a wider variety of intricate, artistic surfaces on chocolate candies in a faster, more cost-effective way.
“What we do is design 3D-printed positives so chocolate makers can create new designs without having to carve the moulds by hand.”
Using this technique, the company says, chocolate moulds are made from the positives printed on a 3D printer. Moulds can easily be made from 3D-printed positives and new designs can be tested with a minimal amount of time and investment.
“This allows for flexibility in adding new designs to a product line and for creating chocolates for specific events, themes and other types of customised orders.
“Additionally, small batches of candy can be made cost effectively by chocolate manufacturers with smaller production runs.”
