First chocolate printer: The Choc Edge printer sets world record (PICS & HD Video)
EXETER, Devon, UK-- Choc Edge Ltd., founded by Dr Liang Hao, from the University of Exeter, has developed a chocolate printer that allows sweet lovers to create any shape they like out of the chocolate
, setting the world record for the First chocolate printer,
according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/. Photo: World's First Chocolate Printer.
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The Guinness world record for the tallest chocolate sculpture is a 10-metre-tall (32 ft 9.7 in) Christmas tree created by Patrick Roger (France) in Sceaux, France. The sculpture weighs 4,000 kg (8,818 lb 7.84 oz) and took a month to create.
Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the largest chocolate fountain; it measures 8 m (26 ft 3 in) tall and circulates 2 tons (4,409 lb) of chocolate at a rate of 120 quarts per minute. It is displayed at the Jean Philippe Pâtisserie (USA) in Bellagio Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Dr Hao came up with a prototype last year and has only just perfected it so that it can now go on sale.
'We've improved and simplified the machine, so now it is really easy to use,' he told the BBC.
'You just need to melt some chocolate, fill a syringe that is stored in the printer, and get creative printing your chocolate.'
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3D printing is a technology where a three dimensional object is created by building up successive layers of material.
The technology is already used in industry to produce plastic and metal products, but this is the first time the principles have been applied to chocolate.
Dr Hao said: 'What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own products.
'From reproducing the shape of a child's favourite toy to a friend's face, the possibilities are endless.'
'There is also no wastage as any spoilage can be eaten.'
Dr Hao added: 'Eventually we may see many mass-produced products replaced by unique designs created by the customer.'
EPSRC chief executive Professor Dave Delpy said: 'This is an imaginative application of two developing technologies and a good example of how creative research can be applied to create new manufacturing and retail ideas.'
It is hoped the device, which starts at £2,500, will sell over 1,000 units over the next three years - primarily to users in the catering industry.
