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3D-Printed Sugar Candies

The ColorPod Add-On Creates Novelty Full-Color Printed Edibles

— October 22, 2016 — Lifestyle
ColorPod is the name of a 3D printer add-on created by Aad van der Geest, which makes it possible for shapely printed edibles to be created in full color.

The technology that powers this creation is like a combination of powder-based 3D printing and traditional color inkjet cartridges, meaning that makers are able to create an endless amount of creatively shaped sweets.

The edible ink that's used in printing is a combination of water, ethanol (diluted vodka) sugar and dextrin, which creates a sugary shape layer by layer. To show off the possibilities of the system, colorful skulls, multi-color trains, houses and Pokemon characters have been created. This technology indicates huge potential in the confectionery industry for the creation of custom sweets in the future.
Trend Themes
1. Full-color 3d-printed Confectionary - The combination of powder-based 3D printing and traditional color inkjet cartridges with edible ink indicates disruptive innovation opportunities in the customization and novelty sectors of the confectionery industry.
2. Personalized Novelty Candies - The potential for limitless customizability offered by 3D-printed candy and edible ink technology indicates disruptive innovation opportunities in the personalized gift and event favor industries.
3. Advanced Add-on Capabilities for 3D Printers - The creation of the ColorPod add-on represents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the development of advanced add-on capabilities that can expand the potential uses of 3D printers for other industries.
Industry Implications
1. Confectionery - The application of 3D printing and edible ink technology in the confectionery industry presents disruptive innovation opportunities for custom and novelty products.
2. Personalized Gifts - The limitless customizability potential of 3D-printed candy and edible ink technology present disruptive innovation opportunities for the personalized gift industry.
3. Event Favors - The novelty and customization potential of 3D-printed candy and edible ink technology present disruptive innovation opportunities for the event favor industry.
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