“While Belgium is home to the EU, Trappist breweries, and the Flemish language, the small European nation is perhaps best known for its excellent mastery of chocolate. Its chocolate industry, which has been internationally recognized since about the 19th century, turns out mouth-watering chocolate truffles, pralines, and exquisitely designed chocolate figurines.” – 3ders.org

Gaetan Richard poses with the logo of the Miam Factory 3D printing chocolate company after being printed by a specialized 3D machine in Gembloux, Belgium, April 10, 2017. Picture taken April 10, 2017. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

3D printed Belgium chocolate

“Considering the country’s rich chocolate heritage, it is no surprise that Belgium has also been at the forefront of 3D printed chocolate in today’s technological age. One particular 3D printed chocolate venture recently caught our eye, and it is arguably one of the best examples of 3D printed sweets we’ve ever seen.” – 3ders.org

Miam Factory

“Miam Factory – French for “Yum” – was spun off three months ago from nearby University of Liege’s Smart Gastronomy Lab, which researches technology in the food and beverages sector, and operates four specialized 3D printers. The company produces 3D-printed chocolate objects and also engraves chocolates and macaroons with messages or logos for clients, such as nearby brewery Bertinchamps.” – Reuters.com

A specialized 3D printing machine applies melted chocolate to shape a chocolate beer bottle at Belgian chocolate company Miam Factory in Gembloux, Belgium, April 10, 2017. Picture taken April 10, 2017. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Gaetan Richard, founder of the Miam Factory 3D printing chocolate company, displays three-dimensional Easter-themed shapes after being printed at Belgian chocolate company Miam Factory in Gembloux. Picture taken April 10, 2017. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

A whole new range of delicious possibilities

The use of a 3D printer leads production of novel shapes which can not be carried out by conventional chocolate working techniques (for example molding). It allows chocolatiers to create shapes which used to be impossible. Also for the production of small batches a chocolate 3D printer is a very useful and efficient. For example, the creation of 30 custom chocolate shapes for a wedding party, or a one-of-a-kind gifts during a business event.

Gaetan Richard, founder of the Miam Factory 3D printing chocolate company, displays a three-dimensional shape object after being printed at Belgian chocolate company Miam Factory in Gembloux, Belgium, April 10, 2017. Picture taken April 10, 2017. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Gaetan Richard, founder of the Miam Factory 3D printing chocolate company, displays a chocolate beer bottle after being printed at Belgian chocolate company Miam Factory in Gembloux, Belgium, April 10, 2017. Picture taken April 10, 2017. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Professional craftwork and technology blending together

The open design of the FELIX 3 and FELIX Tec series gives great freedom when it comes to experimenting with it. In the case of Miam they have mounted a chocolate extruder onto the FELIX 3. The combination of handmate chocolate and high technology perfectly comes together in a situation like this.

At FELIXprinters we of course would like to have a chocolate extruder mounted onto one of our own printers but for now we keep focussing on keeping the FELIX 3 and Tec series as versatile as possible!

A specialized 3D printing machine applies melted chocolate to shape a chocolate beer bottle at Belgian chocolate company Miam Factory in Gembloux, Belgium, April 10, 2017. Picture taken April 10, 2017. REUTERS/Francois Lenoir