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Hershey's to make custom 3D-printed chocolate 


Soon, 3D-printed chocolates and sweets would no longer be just a novelty, after The Hershey Company forged a deal with 3D Systems to "explore and develop" using 3D printing technology to make food items.
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According to 3D Systems, the team-up will combine Hershey’s food science and manufacturing expertise with its powerful 3D printing technology to deliver "new consumer experiences."
 
 

“We believe that innovation is key to delivering relevant, compelling consumer experiences with our iconic brands. Whether it’s creating a whole new form of candy or developing a new way to produce it, we embrace new technologies such as 3D printing as a way to keep moving our timeless confectionery treats into the future,” said William Papa, Vice President and Chief Research and Development Officer for The Hershey Company.
 
Chuck Hull, Chief Technology Officer of 3DS, added mainstreaming 3D printing is fundamental to its success.
 
"We are fortunate to partner with Hershey, the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and confection to expand the 3D printing experience into delectable edibles,” he said.
 
However, a separate report on UK's The Telegraph said neither party would say when the 3D-created treats would finally roll out, or how much the deal would entail.
 
Chocolate 3D printing's brief history
 
In 2011, the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council unveiled what it claimed was the world's first chocolate 3D printer:
 
 
The University of Exeter's Dr. Laing Hao said that the chocolate printer is a novel way to make the public more aware of the potential capabilities of 3D printing technology.
 
"It’s great fun. We can see the technology that could be a future manufacturing technology for metals and plastics, but we want more people to know the technology. I think chocolate is a fantastic media to send out this message," he said.

However, as The Telegraph pointed out, chocolate is a "notoriously difficult" material to 3D-print with due to issues involving its temperature and viscosity.

But at CES earlier this year, 3D systems unveiled what it claims is the first food-safe commercial 3D printer:
 
 
"They're the first food-safe 3D printers to be offered, which is really exciting," said 3D Systems' Liz Von Hassein. — TJD, GMA News

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