Additive manufacturing food: technology and materials

Abstract

Industry Revolution 4.0 have revolutionized every industry worldwide where manufacturing technology became more automated and efficient, and the food industry is no different from other industries such as textile, machinery, electronics, and chemical. In the food industry, technology is very important in order to compete with the high demands for food production. In recent years technology such as genetically modified organisms (GMO), precision agriculture, unmanned vehicle systems (drones) for agriculture, and the internet of things have been developed to improve efficiency in manufacturing food. However, one technology that has the capability to disrupt the food industry is additive manufacturing or better known as 3D printing technology. The technology has become a new manufacturing technology for the food industry that provides freedom of customizing food in terms of structural, ingredients as well as automated cooking for a plethora of applications that suits the customer needs. Technology creates a new platform in gastronomy by changing the perspective on making food. This paper focused on the technological aspect of additive manufacturing technology in terms of the suitable printer’s use, the variety of materials that are used as well as potential materials, the key challenges faced by additive manufacturing with regard to production, and the future opportunities that can be discovered. Although additive manufacturing for food is relatively new compared to other additive manufacturing applications, the potential of such technology is huge and can be explored