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Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/438836
to $4,800. What you get is a machine capable of printing simple 3D models using a free open-source software called ReplicatorG. For more advanced designs, ChocEdge offers custom molds at an additional cost. Savory & Healthy. Although sweets are the frontrunners of the 3-D food world, the introduction of savory items is following closely. Leading the charge is the aforementioned Foodini from Natural Machines, which is slated for mass-market release in the second half of this year at a price point of $1,300. Unlike many of the other printers in production, the Foodini uses empty food capsules that can be filled with almost any ingredient consumers and producers have on hand, so long as it has a proper texture. For instance, a watery tomato sauce would slip through the capsule nozzle, whereas a sauce that is too chunky could clog it. However, Kucsma notes, "This doesn't mean the [resulting] food has to be at a baby food mush consistency." "One of the main reasons we wanted to [use] empty food capsules is to allow for healthy foods in 3-D printing," Kucsma says. "We thought, let's not just give people more processed food, let's give them the ability to create fresh versions of these items so they can eat healthier." Some examples of the Foodini's capabilities include fresh pastas (such as ravioli with the filling of your choice), hamburgers, pizzas, and even dinosaur-shaped quiche. 5 TO WATCH Here's a rundown of the big players in the 3-D printing game, and when you can get your hands on their goods. Choc Edge Printers: Choc Creator, Choc Creator V2 chocedge.com Among the first commercially available chocolate printers, these machines can print various designs, letter patterns, and even custom molds. Availability: Now on the company's website. Dovetailed Printer: Fruit Printer dovetailed.co The Fruit Printer uses spherification and droplet technology to print creations with a thin outer membrane and a liquid core in any shape, including fruit-like foods, such as a hexagonal honey berry or cubic blue banana. Availability: Tentative, but the company is looking into licensing the technology to manufacturers and developing a consumer product in the next few years. Essential Dynamics Printer: Imagine 3-D theimaginemachine.com The Imagine 3-D printer is one of the only 3-D food printers now available for purchase. Users can load any type of edible material through a syringe to create general shapes. New capabilities are in the works. Availability: Now on the company's website. Natural Machines Printer: Foodini naturalmachines.com The Foodini can print out fresh and filled pasta, hamburgers, pizzas, and even dinosaur-shaped quiche. Capsules allow for use of a variety of ingredients. Availability: Early access in the coming months; hits the mass market in the second half of 2015. 3D Systems Printers: ChefJet, ChefJet Pro the-sugar-lab.com/chefjet These are the first kitchen-ready 3-D printers, equipped to print a range of sweets in full photographic-quality color and use digital graphics to create countless designs. The technology allows for intricate geometry, including delicate perforations, large cantilevers, and complex curvature. Availability: Early this year. PHOTO: NATURAL MACHINES Dinosaur-shaped quiche made by Natural Machines' Foodini PHOTO: 3D SYSTEMS 42 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com