Infographic: 3D Printing in the Food Industry

We have already told you about the use of additive manufacturing in numerous sectors. This includes of course applications in aerospace, medicine, construction and automotive, among others. In addition to these sectors, it has also found its way into the consumer goods sector, with examples ranging from clothing and sports products to cosmetics. Indeed, it seems likely that 3D printing is gradually gaining ground to eventually become ubiquitous in everyday life. This is proven in this latest infographic, since one of the core things needed to survive is food; and it is precisely in this area that 3D printing is starting to attract attention thanks to innovative approaches that could change the food industry in the long term.

3D printing with food is a rather recent trend. The first attempts to print food were realized in 2006, when a team from Cornell University developed the open-source printer Fab@Home, which could print chocolate, cookie dough and cheese into elaborate constructions. The design aspect is still one of the reasons why innovative companies and restaurants are turning to 3D food printing.

However, other factors also play a role, as 3D printing of food allows not only creativity but also precise control of ingredients, the provision of food in difficult conditions such as in poor regions and disaster areas (or even in space), the production of meat and fish alternatives and also as a way to change texture, crucial for ensuring that people with swallowing difficulties have a better quality of life. In addition to its potential for creative development, 3D food printing also has significant humanitarian potential, namely to improve the food supply worldwide, have a positive impact on the food chain and enable “barrier-free” eating.

Let’s take a closer look at the areas in which 3D printed food is already being used and take a look at the relevant facts and figures about 3D printing in the food industry. To give you all the information you need, 3Dnatives has created an infographic, which you can find below. By clicking on the link for the graphic, you can enlarge it and download it for later use. Enjoy!

Download the Infographic in PDF Form

What do you think of the use of 3D printing in the food industry? Have you already tried any 3D printed food? Let us know in a comment below or on our Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*All Image Credits: 3Dnatives