3D printing technology has indeed come a long way as the benefits of the additive manufacturing process has arrived in the food industry. Not just for creating food containers, packaging materials or realistic-looking food displays; but also in manufacturing edible food using real food ingredients.
Food Processing Using 3D Printing Technology
Perhaps printing food is something unheard of; but breakthroughs in 3D printing technology have made food preparation processes more precise; and at the same time nutritious, customisable and sustainable. In Germany, it is now common for nursing home facilities to use 3D printing in preparing easy-to-chew, tasty meals for elderly residents.
There are 3D food printers that use fine syringe-like dispensers in creating edible chocolate confectioneries, adorned with intricate designs to make them look more sinfully-tempting. Other 3D food printers extract edible ingredients out of stainless steel casings when whipping up or in experimenting on savory food ideas.
How Do 3D Food Printers Work?
First off, 3D food printers work basically in the same digitally-guided, additive manufacturing method, applied by conventional small or big build 3d printes. A 3D printing equipment uses dispensers in producing thin layers of edible food.
Thin slices of layers are gradually added one on top of another, as a way of preparing and combining raw food ingredients; whilst retaining or incorporating the nutritive value of a concoction. That being the case, users of 3D food printers, particularly those in the high-end, food-as-a-service businesses, came to appreciate the benefits of using the technology.
Advantages of 3D Printers as Food Processing Equipment
When in search of ways to make one’s food business rise above the rest, investing in a 3D food printer as part of one’s kitchen accoutrements, is likely to pay off because of the following advantages:
Optimisation of time and energy, especially when striving to achieve perfection with every dish offered and served to discriminating customers.
Allows users to innovate and experiment on food recipes with higher rates of success and reduced wastage.
Enables 3D food printers to customise meals intended for those with specific dietary requirements due to age, health condition or culture or when catering for events that require particular food preferences.