It took Weinstein three years to make his first prototype, which he started working on during an introduction to engineering class in high school. The device begins by melting Hershey’s bars, then prints them into any pre-programmed shape, just like any regular old 3-D printer. The trick, however, is that it can solidify the chocolate again as soon as its printed, so that it holds its shape. That way, the device can print complex 3-D structures without them falling apart before the chocolate has a chance to cool down naturally.
This technology could eliminate the need for casts or molds for cooks or bakers, or anyone looking to make things with chocolate. It also has potential in the classroom, since kids might be more interested to learn about 3-D printing technology when the result tastes so good.
