The Sugar Lab
Sugar
3D Systems are gobbling up businesses like hot cakes or should that be gobbling up a business that make cakes look hot?
Their latest acquisition is a tasty morsel that has barely been in existence enough time to prove their concept but the biggest 3D printing company in the world have been suitably impressed with Sugar Labs to purchase them outright.
We only learnt of Sugar Labs existence back in May, the husband and wife team adapted 3D Systems’ Color Jet Printing to print using sugar and an edible binding substance. This technique, which the pair discovered almost by accident allows a user to make fantastic edible decorations for cakes.
According to 3D Systems’ press release the plan is to immediately integrate The Sugar Lab 3D printing technique into its professional and consumer content-to-print platforms with a variety of production-quality applications as well as the ability to 3D print indulgences at home.
“The overlap of technology, food and art is so rich, and the potential for customization and innovation is limitless,” said Liz von Hasseln, co-founder of the Sugar Lab. Existing commercial applications for printable sugar include complex sculptural cakes for weddings and special events that are made possible only with 3D printing, and customizable confections for bake shops and restaurants. Continued von Hasseln, “We see our technology quickly evolving into a variety of flavors and foods, powered by real food printers for professionals and consumers alike and we could not think of a more qualified partner than 3D Systems to help make that a reality.”
“I believe there is a social covenant for indulgence that begins with desserts and The Sugar Lab will accelerate our ability to bring edible 3D printables to the masses while empowering chefs, restaurateurs and confectioners with never before explored digital creation tools for food,” said Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3D Systems. “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with two kindred spirits; Liz and Kyle von Hasseln to quickly re-purpose our core 3D Systems print technology and jointly create delicious, custom confections.”
It’s nice to see 3D printing being applied to a product that will keep all those dentists using 3D printing in business…