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.
3D-Printed Sugar Candies
The ColorPod Add-On Creates Novelty Full-Color Printed Edibles
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.