At present, all walks of life are beginning to use 3D printing technology in a unique way. 3D printing food is not new, but you need to know the following five things about 3D printing food.


The relationship between 3D printing and food is not simple


Typical non-food printed materials include plastics, silicones, and steels based on a primary or single polymer whose properties are well known. For example, plastic can be easily melted and extruded into a designed shape while rapidly solidifying at ambient temperature, allowing support for added layers. Essentially, the molecular composition of food is much more complex, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and dietary fiber, which vary in proportion and molecular level. This variation depends on the type of food itself, the variety or genetic background, growth conditions, and further processing prior to printing.
 
Then, all constituent molecules can interact and exhibit a range of functions such as gelation, water binding, and elasticity, which will determine the rheology of the food and pass the fused deposition model (one of the most common 3D food printing techniques). ) Print it into a predefined shape. This is where food scientists get involved to describe the behavior of food materials and improve their printability. In addition, although this is not a requirement for printing on plastic or silicone, food safety needs to be considered when printing food.
 
Food safety risks must be considered
 
The shelf life of 3D printed foods is usually limited because structural changes may occur over time and in some cases microorganisms may also grow. To reduce food safety risks, printers need to use food grade materials for hygienic design for thorough cleaning.
 
Printing food may require further processing
 
In the fused deposition model, the rheology of the food product is another aspect to consider because it will affect the squeezability of the food layer, as well as the ability of the food layer support layer to build up and build the shape height. The rheology of food can be easily changed by adding functional ingredients such as protein and starch, or by printing food at different temperatures. To complement this, the enzyme can help maintain the shape of the meat by creating bonds between the molecules, and the frozen printed cookies before baking can help the food material maintain its shape throughout the baking process by preventing the butter from liquefying in the dough. .
 
Reducing waste and sustainability is one of the advantages of 3D printing
 
3D printing enables foods to be custom-tailored in terms of color, taste and shape to meet consumer demand and reduce waste by printing on-demand quantities of food, reducing NPD time through prototype foods. It is sustainable and can repair potential food waste, such as fruits and vegetables with alfalfa, which would otherwise be wasted, using by-products of food production including waste grains from beer, pressed cakes for oil processing or cheese making. Dairy protein and incorporate inherently sustainable and nutritious ingredients such as algae and insect ingredients.
 
How does this technology help the public health?
 
By printing food in 3D, consumers can choose their own profile to meet their dietary needs. For example, older people often need vitamin D and calcium to enhance their bone health and help maintain muscle mass. In addition, if an elderly person suffers from iron deficiency anemia, the doctor advises him or her to eat more iron-rich food. All of these specific dietary needs can be met by 3D printing specifically designed for this consumer.
 
Disadvantages Top5


Speed and scale: Since 3D printers are a relatively new technology, their output is currently very low, far less than the speed required by manufacturers to produce cost-effective traditional technologies for food.
 
Cleanability: 3D printers for foods require hygienic design to optimize their cleanability and reduce food safety risks.
 
Expertise on how to modify food rheology and design shapes to successfully print food.
 
Post-printing processes such as baking or cooking can help set or otherwise melt the shape.
 
Consumers’ unknown attitude towards this technology.