A canteen 3D food printer in a primary school

In the UK, Big Bang Fair researchers have implemented a canteen 3D food printer. The 3D printer creates a variety of dishes for students. The goal is to encourage them to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Teaching 3D printing at school could be a way to introduce young people to new technologies and show them, through different applications, how it is gradually changing our production methods.

Food 3D printing is starting to make a splash, whether it’s to create diet-friendly foods, more creative dishes, or to respond to a broader food crisis. In this case, it’s a way to approach a young audience and make them discover 3D printing more widely. This in order to encourage them to pursue studies in this direction. In any case, this is the idea of ​​the organising team of the Big Bang Fair. It’s an annual English event that promotes science, technology and mathematics. After conducting a study of students, the company says that 71% of respondents think it’s important to have access to advanced technologies at school. And 40% say that you can learn by eating. This making the canteen 3D food printer a perfect tool.

Students were able to see the Foodini 3D printer in action (photo credits: Big Bang Fair)

3D printed dishes in the canteen

Students at this elementary school were able to sample different 3D printed foods. Such as cod served with beans in small mashed hexes. They also enjoyed star-shaped broccoli or a hummus and avocado lizard. It is the Foodini 3D printer from the Spanish manufacturer, Natural Machines that was used. It relies on the well-known extrusion principle of FDM machines. Layer by layer, machine deposits the dough required for the production of different foods.