Device for 3D printing of food

EP4514156A1Inactive Publication Date: 2025-03-05LA PÂTISSERIE NUMÉRIQUE
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2023708292
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-07-13
Filing Date
2023-02-28
Publication Date
2025-03-05
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current 3D food printing technologies are expensive, limit the geometry and deposition speed of viscous materials, and often require additives, which makes them unsuitable for large-scale food production and alters the taste and texture of food products.

Method used

A Cartesian-type 3D food printing device with a removable print tray, a print head capable of extruding food pastes along orthogonal axes, a powder or gel supply system for maintaining matrix height, and a vibration system to improve matrix flow and density, ensuring additives-free production with controlled texture and taste.

Benefits of technology

The device enhances productivity, allows for the creation of food products with varied shapes and quality, maintains aesthetic appeal, and is easily cleanable, while reducing mechanical forces on the print head and ensuring consistent suspension of materials within the matrix.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device for printing a food product (4) in three dimensions in the cartesian coordinate system, and to an assembly comprising said device and a device for solidifying the food product. The invention also relates to a process for the additive manufacturing of a food product by means of the assembly according to the invention.
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Description

Description Title of the invention: 3D food printing device

[0001] The invention relates to a Cartesian-type three-dimensional (3D) printing device for a food product, as well as to an assembly comprising said device and a device for solidifying the food product. The invention also relates to a method for additive manufacturing of a food product using the assembly according to the invention. Technical field

[0002] The invention relates to the field of 3D food printing devices. Previous Art

[0003] The generic term 3D printing covers additive manufacturing technologies for objects, directly from a digital model and without going through a (manual) step of manufacturing a mold.

[0004] 3D printing consists of manufacturing the final part layer by layer, aggregating the material through various processes, only where the digital model predicts it.

[0005] 3D printing technologies aggregate their base material through different processes: bonding, polymerization of a monomer powder, selective laser sintering, fusion using an electric arc, etc. They were first developed for polymers (resins, plastics) and for metals.

[0006] 3D printing technologies were then transposed into the food industry, using extrusion deposition methods, inkjet, binder projection, and selective laser sintering. These first three types are now used commercially in the production of food products based on chocolate, meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, and even cereals.

[0007] Furthermore, the issue of food production and processing chains is at the heart of the evolution of our consumption patterns and public policies and has taken a new turn with the disorganization linked to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

[0008] Cities and states are supporting local food production projects, aimed at reducing the use of carbon-intensive transport to move fresh food. We are also seeing a growing trend towards production through supply chains in France. highlighting consumer products.

[0009] On the other hand, aging populations lead to differentiated nutritional needs for each individual that are difficult to meet with mass food production systems. Healthy eating is one of the major vectors in the fight against recurring conditions such as diabetes or allergies. 3D food printing is considered by the scientific community as one of the valid solutions to these problems.

[0010] However, these technologies are expensive, which results in a significant cost of the resulting food products, which for these reasons are not suitable for larger-scale use in the food sector, whether in restaurant kitchens or even at home.

[0011] There is therefore a continuing need for a low-cost 3D food printer, specifically adapted to the food industry, which will enable the continued local production of tasty food products, without additives, following their own recipe and in compliance with food hygiene and safety standards.

[0012] Thus, in an innovative manner, the Applicant has developed a Cartesian-type 3D food printing device that addresses this technical problem and allows for increased productivity, the production of food products of any shape, with controlled taste and texture, with an aesthetic similar to traditional processes, and easy to clean.

[0013] Patent document US 2017 / 0251713 A1 describes a 3D food printer equipped with a removable print bed in which a piece of food is manufactured. A material (food paste) is extruded from a print head and is then injected by the print head into a tray. To do this, the tray is arranged below the print head and receives the food paste extruded by the print head. The 3D food printer further comprises a vibration device acting on the print bed in order to level the material. However, a disadvantage of such a 3D food printer is that it imposes limitations in terms of the geometry of the injected viscous materials and the deposition speed. Furthermore, another disadvantage of the 3D printer described in this document is that it requires the addition of additives to the manufactured food product.

[0014] In order to overcome these drawbacks, a method for printing a viscous material within a matrix is ​​known from patent document US 2003 / 0090034 A 1. The particular rheological properties of the matrix make the method possible, since the matrix holds the viscous material in place until it solidifies. This matrix can be in the form of a gel or in the form of a powder. However, a disadvantage of the method described in this document is that it does not allow the level of the matrix to be maintained above the printing area, which impairs the self-repairability of the matrix and generates mechanical forces on the print head (which is immersed in the matrix), such forces being likely to damage the latter. In addition, such a system does not guarantee that the injected material is always suspended in the matrix. The 3D food printing device according to the present invention thus aims to take advantage of such a method, while improving the flow of the matrix as well as the repairability and density of the powder, and reducing the mechanical forces on the print head.The 3D food printing device according to the present invention further aims to obtain food products manufactured by 3D printing without using additives and without altering the taste and texture of the manufactured food products. Description of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art cited above.

[0016] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a Cartesian type 3D food printing device.

[0017] According to one embodiment, said Cartesian-type 3D food printing device comprises: a. a removable printing tray; b. a printing head positioned opposite the printing tray and capable of extruding food pasta, said printing head moving along two orthogonal axes; c. a printing plate configured to allow the printing head to move along a third axis orthogonal to the other two axes; d. a food powder or gel supply system configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tray with said food powder or gel, said food powder or gel deposited in the printing tray constituting a matrix; and e. a vibration system connected to the printing tray, making it possible to vibrate said matrix in said printing tray.

[0018] The sequential or regular filling of the print tray carried out by The powder or food gel supply system is designed to maintain a constant height of powder or gel between 1 and 20 cm to form the matrix and thus maintain a height (matrix level) above the printing area, layer after layer. This system is necessary because the forces created on the print head increase with the quantity of powder or gel in which the head is immersed. Sequential filling following the printing height makes it possible to maintain a quantity of powder or gel necessary for the self-repair of the matrix while limiting the forces exerted on the print head. Such sequential filling also ensures that the material injected into the matrix is ​​always suspended in the latter.

[0019] The print tray is kept static while the print head moves, so as to avoid maximum movement and potential offset between each printed layer.

[0020] Preferably, the print head is capable of extruding food pastes having a viscosity of between 10 -1 mPa.s and 10 7 mPa.s. Such a range of values ​​allows the use of different food pastes, presenting a wide spectrum of viscosity.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the print head comprises a reservoir for containing food paste. According to another embodiment, the food paste reservoir is offset from the print head and is fixed to the structure of the 3D printing device.

[0022] The print head is held securely so that it can print accurately into the die, and therefore produce a faithful representation of the 3D file transmitted by the computer.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the print head is provided with a print nozzle. The print nozzle has a size adapted to the product to be made, and can be changed simply to adapt it to a possible other product to be made. This amounts to modifying the extrusion flow rate of the head, and this without degrading the aesthetic appearance of the final food product.

[0024] Preferably, in the case of a powder supply, said food powder has a particle size of between 1 μm and 1500 μm in diameter, preferably between 5 μm and 200 μm, a relative humidity of between 0% and 80%, a density of between 0.1 kg / liter and 1 kg / liter, preferably between 0.3 kg / liter and 0.8 kg / liter, and a thermoconductivity of between 0.01 W / m / K and 1 W / m / K, preferably between 0.03 W / m / K and 0.2 W / m / K. The food powder thus has specific properties (and particularly suited to the intended application) of thermoconductivity and resistance to high temperatures. without phase change (high vitrification temperature), nor decomposition under the effect of heat. Such properties also allow the powder not to change state during the freezing / deep-freezing phases, nor during the cooking phases. The food powder also has specific properties (and particularly adapted to the intended application) of flowability (at the time of deposit), repairability (during the 3D printing phase) and density (after the passage of the print head and at rest).

[0025] The printing tray contains the matrix. The matrix (made of food powder or gel) is used to hold the shaped pasta.

[0026] Preferably, the vibration system is positioned on the print tray or on a support of the print tray.

[0027] The powders used in the invention are very cohesive and therefore the passage of the print head can pose problems. This passage of the print head in the matrix leaves a groove in the matrix. The groove of the matrix leaves an empty area of ​​powder above the paste extruded by the head. Consequently, the matrix no longer plays its antigravity role. The presence of the vibration system on the printing tank makes it possible to vibrate the matrix and thus allow it to flow easily. In this case, the groove created by the print head closes quickly thanks to the surrounding powder. This vibration system thus makes it possible to improve the repairability and density of the powder.

[0028] Preferably, said vibration system has a vibration amplitude of between 10 pm and 2 cm, a vibration frequency of between 1 Hz and 10 MHz, and a centrifugal force of the vibration of between 1 g and 100 kg. Even more preferably, the vibration system has a vibration amplitude of between 1 mm and 10 mm, a vibration frequency substantially equal to 50 Hz, and a centrifugal force of the vibration of between 2.5 kg and 5 kg, preferably substantially equal to 5 kg.

[0029] The vibration system allows the food matrix to vibrate in the printing tray.

[0030] According to one embodiment, said Cartesian-type 3D food printing device comprises an anti-vibration decoupling system.

[0031] Preferably, said anti-vibration decoupling system is positioned between the printing plate and the rest of the elements of the device.

[0032] Preferably, said anti-vibration decoupling system can comprise one or more anti-vibration pads fixed on the one hand to the printing plate and on the other hand to the printing tray. Such anti-vibration pads make it possible to obtain better control of the amplitude of vibrations within the 3D printing device. Alternatively, said anti-vibration decoupling system may comprise one or more springs) fixed on the one hand to the printing plate and on the other hand to the printing tray.

[0033] This anti-vibration decoupling system prevents vibration from the rest of the machine.

[0034] The entire device according to the invention is computer-controlled and follows the 3D file loaded by the user. The file, preferably a Gcode file, includes all the instructions, including possible retraction and non-printing steps.

[0035] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a 3D food printing device according to the invention, and a device allowing solidification of the food product. According to one embodiment, the solidification of the food product is carried out by heating or by cooling depending on the type of printed food paste. When the solidification of the food product is carried out by cooling, the device allowing solidification of the food product is for example a refrigerator or a freezer.

[0036] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an assembly comprising a 3D food printing device according to the invention, and a device for heating the food product.

[0037] Preferably, said heating can be carried out between 10°C and 200°C.

[0038] Heating allows the piece to solidify and possibly cook it.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the assembly according to the invention may also comprise a depowdering device, making it possible to eliminate powders coming from the matrix.

[0040] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for additive manufacturing of a food product using the assembly according to the invention.

[0041] According to one embodiment, said method of additive manufacturing of a food product comprises at least one step of injecting said food paste into said matrix so as to produce a food product;

[0042] Preferably, said at least one step of injecting said food paste into said matrix is ​​carried out jointly with the application of vibrations to the printing tray comprising the matrix.

[0043] According to one embodiment, said additive manufacturing method of a food product comprises at least one heating step.

[0044] Preferably, said at least one step of heating said food product obtained in step i. is carried out between 10°C and 200°C.

[0045] According to another embodiment, said method of additive manufacturing of a food product comprises at least one solidification step, which may be a step of heating or cooling the food product.

[0046] According to one embodiment, said additive manufacturing method comprises a step of separating the food product obtained from the matrix.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, said method of additive manufacturing of a food product using the assembly according to the invention comprises: i. at least one step of injecting said food paste into said matrix, so as to produce a food product; ii. at least one step of solidifying said food product obtained in step i.

[0048] Preferably, said method comprises a step of moving said printing tray of the 3D printing device according to the invention towards the device allowing the heating of the food product.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the print head is embedded to a depth of 1 to 20 cm, preferably 2 to 8 cm, in the matrix in order to ensure good cohesion between the layers, complete erasure of the effects of gravity and to obtain the targeted aesthetic qualities.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the matrix is ​​composed of discrete solid elements or gels, preferably microgels.

[0051] Preferably, the matrix is ​​composed solely of edible elements. This ensures that the taste and texture of the food products produced are not altered.

[0052] According to one embodiment, said method further comprises a step of vibrating the printing tray containing the matrix, said vibration step being carried out after or simultaneously with the step of injecting the food paste into the matrix.

[0053] According to one embodiment, said method further comprises a step of sequentially filling the printing tray with food powder or gel, the filling of the printing tray being carried out by following the injection height of the food paste into the printing tray.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the food paste is in a viscous and uniform form.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a device allowing the separation of the food product from the matrix, and the method further comprises a step of separating the food product from the matrix.

[0056] According to one embodiment, in the case where the matrix is ​​made of powder, the separation step is a depowdering step.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the device allowing the solidification of the food product is a device for heating the food product between 10°C and 200°C, and step ii. is a step of heating the food product (4) obtained in step i between 10°C and 200°C.

[0058] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to the use of the 3D printing device according to the invention or of the system according to the invention for making a food product.

[0059] According to one embodiment, said use makes it possible to produce ready-to-fill cereal products.

[0060] According to one embodiment, said use makes it possible to make chocolate-based food products, preferably chocolate cakes, fresh pasta made from durum wheat semolina, gelled coulis inserts, or dry and soft cakes.

[0061] This improves the production times of inverted assembly desserts. The inverted assembly technique requires numerous freezing steps, high energy consumption, and requires spreading dessert production over several days. By providing a complex biscuit, made up of several ready-to-fill shells, assembly time is reduced by 50 to 65%. This frees up time for other tasks and makes this type of dessert accessible to professional teams (restaurants, artisanal pastry shops) who did not have enough labor for such products. Figures

[0062] [Fig 1] is a schematic representation of the Cartesian type 3D printing device for food products according to the invention.

[0063] [Fig 2] is a flowchart representing an additive manufacturing process for a food product implemented by an assembly comprising the 3D printing device of Figure 1.

[0064] [Fig 3] is a perspective view of an example of a final food product obtained using the device and method according to the invention.

[0065] [Fig 4] is a front view of the food product of Figure 3.

[0066] [Fig 5] is another front view of the food product of Figure 3, in which the food product was turned. Definitions

[0067] By "Cartesian 3D printer" is meant according to the invention the most common type of 3D printer, so called because of the Cartesian coordinate system they use. This consists of three orthogonal axes - the X, Y and Z axes - which are used to determine where and how the print head should move correctly and therefore to correct the direction of movement. Depending on the model and manufacturer of the printer, the print bed of this machine will be in charge of the Z axis, allowing the extruder to position itself on the X and Y axes, in order to be able to move in all directions. A person skilled in the art familiar with Cartesian 3D printers is able to determine the correspondence of the X, Y and Z axes.

[0068] According to the invention, the term "print head" means the element enabling food paste to be extracted and incorporated into the food matrix.

[0069] By "food paste" is meant a food suitable for consumption formulated in a more or less soft and viscous manner. In the context of the invention, the food paste is added to the matrix. Advantageously, the food paste is added to the matrix in such a way that a mixture between the food paste and the food matrix is ​​produced in situ immediately at the time of deposition. The mixing of the food paste and the matrix during 3D printing allows the food product to be obtained.

[0070] The term "food product" means a food that can be consumed by a human. In the context of the invention, the food product obtained using 3D printing preferably has a viscous and uniform shape, without grain, before solidification. After solidification, the food product is in a solid form.

[0071] By "extrude" is meant the shaping by mechanical treatment and under pressure of moistened or non-moistened food and pastes.

[0072] By “food powder” is meant a solid substance formed of fine particles, here a particle size between 1 pm and 1500 pm in diameter, preferably between 5 pm and 200 pm.

[0073] By "food gel" is meant an edible food product in the form of network macromolecules forming a liquid or even semi-liquid structure depending on their viscosity.

[0074] By "matrix" or "food matrix" is meant the whole of the food powder or food gel deposited in the printing tray, representing the base of the food product where the print head will print.

[0075] A "food powder or gel delivery system" means the element that allows the powder or gel to be distributed to the device. The powder is called food powder because it comes from an edible food, for example cereals, vegetables, etc.

[0076] According to the invention, the term "printing plate" means the element located at the base of the device and moving along the Z axis, and thus allowing relative movement along the Z axis between the printing plate and the printing head.

[0077] According to the invention, the term "printing tray" means the container receiving the powder or gel distributed by the delivery system, and in fact comprising the matrix.

[0078] According to the invention, the term "vibration system" means a device for applying vibrations in order to set adjacent devices in motion.

[0079] According to the invention, the term "anti-vibration decoupling system" means a device allowing vibrations applied to one element of the device not to be applied to other elements. Such an anti-vibration decoupling system may, for example, comprise one or more springs fixed on the one hand to the printing plate and on the other hand to the printing tray.

[0080] By “step of injecting said food paste into the matrix” is meant that the print head injects said food paste inside the matrix.

[0081] By "heating step" is meant a step of applying a temperature to said food product, in order to cook it.

[0082] By "food product removal step" is meant the removal of the food product from the matrix in order to obtain an independent, consumable, packageable, etc. food product.

[0083] According to the invention, “additive manufacturing” means a method for manufacturing a physical object from a digital object by adding material.

[0084] According to the invention, "separation of the food product" means the action of isolating the food product obtained from the matrix in which it was made, powder or gel.

[0085] By "dedusting" is meant the action of removing the powder used for 3D printing, in order to obtain the food product.

[0086] By "connected to" is meant according to the invention that the element is "in contact with", and therefore it can be "positioned on", "positioned in", "positioned outside of", as long as the element remains in contact with the other element to which it is connected. Here, the vibration system is connected to the print tray.

[0087] According to the invention, “discrete solid elements” means particles constituting the whole of the food powder. Detailed description of the invention

[0088] In Figure 1 is shown a three-dimensional (3D) printing device of the Cartesian type for manufacturing a food product 4. The 3D printing device comprises a system for supplying food powder or gel 1, a print head 2, a print plate 5, a removable print tray 6, a vibration system 7 and an anti-vibration decoupling system 8. The 3D printing device may be part of an assembly (not shown in Figure 1) comprising, in addition to the 3D printing device, a device for heating the food product 4 and a depowdering device. Preferably, the heating device is configured to allow the heating of the food product 4 to a temperature between 10°C and 200°C.

[0089] The food powder or gel supply system 1 makes it possible to supply food powder or gel during printing into the printing tray 6. The food powder or gel supply system 1 is configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tray 6 with food powder or gel. The food powder or gel deposited in the printing tray 6 constitutes a matrix (in particular a food matrix). Preferably, the matrix is ​​composed of solid discrete elements or microgels. More preferably, the matrix is ​​composed solely of edible elements. More preferably, in the case of a supply of food powder by the system 1, the food powder has a particle size of between 1 μm and 1500 μm in diameter, preferably between 5 μm and 200 μm, a relative humidity of between 0% and 80%, a density of between 0.1 kg / liter and 1 kg / liter, preferably between 0.3 kg / liter and 0.8 kg / litre, and a thermal conductivity between 0.01 W / m / K and 1 W / m / K, preferably between 0.03 W / m / K and 0.2 W / m / K.

[0090] The print head 2 is provided for example with an injection nozzle and a pasta reservoir 3, such elements not being shown in Figure 1 for reasons of clarity. The injection nozzle is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The injection nozzle has a pasta outlet orifice 3 whose diameter is for example between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The print head 2 is positioned opposite the print tank 6 and is capable of extruding pasta 3. Preferably, the print head 2 is capable of extruding pasta 3 having a viscosity of between 10 -1 mPa.s and 10 7 mPa.s. Preferably, the food paste 3 is presented in a viscous and uniform form.

[0091] The print head 2 is configured to move along two orthogonal axes X, Y. The print plate 5 is configured to allow the print head 2 to move along a third axis Z orthogonal to the other two axes X, Y. To do this, the print plate 5 is connected to the print tray 6 (as will be detailed later), which makes it possible to vary the relative height Z at which the print head 2 injects the food paste 3 into the print tray 6. Indeed, the print plate 5 is advantageously mounted to move in translation along a direction corresponding to the axis Z. The print head 2 is immersed in the matrix to a depth for example between 1 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 8 cm.

[0092] The vibration system 7 is connected to the printing tray 6, which makes it possible to vibrate the matrix in the printing tray 6. Preferably, the vibration system 7 has a vibration amplitude of between 10 μm and 2 cm, a vibration frequency of between 1 Hz and 10 MHz, and a centrifugal force of the vibration of between 1 g and 100 kg. Even more preferably, the vibration system 7 has a vibration amplitude of between 1 mm and 10 mm, a vibration frequency substantially equal to 50 Hz, and a centrifugal force of the vibration of between 2.5 kg and 5 kg, preferably substantially equal to 5 kg. Such values ​​for the vibration amplitude, the vibration frequency and the centrifugal force of the vibration make it possible to further improve the flow of the matrix within the printing tray 6.

[0093] The anti-vibration decoupling system 8 allows decoupling (without vibrations) between the printing plate 5 and the rest of the elements of the 3D printing device. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the anti-vibration decoupling system 8 consists of two helical springs fixed on the one hand to the printing plate 5 and on the other hand to the printing tray 6. In a variant not shown, the anti-vibration decoupling system 8 consists of one or more anti-vibration pads fixed on the one hand to the printing plate 5 and on the other hand to the printing tray 6. Such anti-vibration pads make it possible to obtain better control of the amplitude of the vibrations within the 3D printing device.

[0094] The additive manufacturing method of a food product 4 according to the invention, implemented by an assembly comprising the 3D printing device previously described, a device for heating the food product 4 between 10°C and 200°C, and possibly a device for dedusting, will now be described with reference to Figure 2. Initially, food powder or gel is deposited in the print tray 6 by the food powder or gel supply system 1, thus constituting the matrix. The print head 2 is then moved along the X, Y and Z axes, and immersed in the matrix. The movement of the print head 2 can either be done first along the two X and Y axes then along the Z axis for additive manufacturing of the food product 4 layer by layer, or simultaneously along the three X, Y and Z axes for direct three-dimensional manufacturing of the food product 4.

[0095] The method comprises a first step 20 during which the food paste 3 is injected into the matrix by the print head 2, so as to produce a food product 4.

[0096] Preferably, the method comprises a step 22 following or concomitant with step 20, of vibrating, by the vibration system 7, the printing tray 6 containing the matrix.

[0097] Preferably, the method comprises a step 23 following or concomitant with step 20, of sequentially filling the printing tank 6 with food powder or gel from the food powder or gel supply system 1. The filling of the printing tank 6 is carried out by the food powder or gel supply system 1 following the injection height of the food paste 3 by the printing head 2 into the printing tank 6.

[0098] When the injection of the food paste 3 into the matrix is ​​complete, the method comprises a following step 24 of heating, by the heating device, the food product 4 to a temperature between 10°C and 200°C. To do this, the printing tray 6 containing the food product 4 and the matrix is ​​for example removed from the 3D printing device according to the invention, and conveyed into the heating device.

[0099] The method preferably comprises a final step 26 of separating the food product 4 from the matrix. In the case where the matrix is ​​made of powder, this separation step 26 is a dedusting step, and is implemented by the dedusting device.

[0100] In detail, in the case of making a chocolate cake with cocoa powder, a user of the device according to the invention can proceed as follows.

[0101] The user prepares the food paste 3 in advance and inserts it into a reservoir coupled to the print head 2.

[0102] The printing tray 6 is then filled using the food powder supply system 1, making it possible to obtain a height of between 1 cm and 5 cm above the extrusion level of the food paste 3.

[0103] The print file is prepared by the user, making it possible to obtain a machine code for the device according to the invention.

[0104] The vibration system 7, aimed at uniformizing the powder matrix, is started at the beginning of printing and carried out continuously until the end of the printing.

[0105] Printing is then launched, with movement of print head 2 within the matrix to create a first layer.

[0106] The print bed 5 then moves according to the height of this first layer.

[0107] The cycle of moving the print head 2 and the movement of the print plate 5 is repeated until the final production of the food product is obtained, following the machine code initially entered.

[0108] The printing tray 6 is then removed from the 3D printing device according to the invention, and conveyed into the device allowing heating.

[0109] The entire printing tray 6 containing the food paste 3 and the food powder, forming the food products 4, are then cooked.

[0110] Once cooking is complete, a dedusting step takes place, aimed at separating the food products 4, consisting of the solidified food paste 3, from the food powder. [YES] The food products 4 are thus obtained. An example of such a food product 4 obtained according to the method according to the invention using the device according to the invention is presented in Figures 3 to 5. The food product 4 obtained here is a coral, without this being limiting within the scope of the present invention. List of reference signs

[0112] (1): food powder or gel delivery system

[0113] (2): print head

[0114] (3): food paste

[0115] (4): food product

[0116] (5): printing plate

[0117] (6): print tray

[0118] (7): vibration system

[0119] (8): Anti-vibration decoupling system

Claims

Demands

1. A Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food products (4), comprising: - a removable print tray (6); - a print head (2) positioned opposite the print tray (6) and capable of extruding food pasta (3), said print head (2) moving along two orthogonal axes; - a print platform (5) configured to allow the print head to move along a third axis orthogonal to the other two axes; - a food powder or gel delivery system (1) configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tray (6) with said food powder or gel, said food powder or gel deposited in the printing tray constituting a matrix; and - a vibration system (7) connected to the print tray (6), allowing the said matrix to be vibrated in said print tray (6).

2. Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food product (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein the three-dimensional printing device further comprises an anti-vibration decoupling system (8) between the printing platform (5) and the rest of the device elements.

3. Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food product (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the case of powder feeding by the powder feeding system (1), said food powder has a particle size between 1 pm and 1500 pm in diameter, preferably between 5 pm and 200 pm, a relative humidity between 0% and 80%, a density between 0.1 kg / litre and 1 kg / litre, preferably between 0.3 kg / litre and 0.8 kg / litre, and a thermal conductivity between 0.01 W / m / K and 1 W / m / K, preferably between 0.03 W / m / K and 0.2 W / m / K.

4. A Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food products (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the print head (2) is capable of extruding food pastes (3) having a viscosity between 10 -1 mPa·s and 10 7 mPa.s.

5. Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food product (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said vibration system (7) has a vibration amplitude of between 10 pm and 2 cm, a vibration frequency of between 1 Hz and 10 MHz, and a centrifugal vibration force of between 1 g and 100 kg.

6. Assembly comprising a Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food product according to any one of the preceding claims, and a device enabling the solidification of the food product.

7. A method for additive manufacturing of a food product (4) using the assembly according to claim 6, comprising: i. at least one step (20) of injecting said food paste (3) into said matrix, so as to produce a food product (4); ii. at least one step (24) of solidifying said food product (4) obtained in step i.

8. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the matrix is ​​composed of discrete solid elements or microgels.

9. A method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the matrix is ​​composed solely of edible elements.

10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a step (22) of vibrating the printing tray (6) containing the matrix, said vibration step (22) being carried out after or simultaneously with the step (20) of injecting the food paste (3) into the matrix.

11. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a step (23) of sequentially filling the print tray (6) with food powder or gel, the filling of the print tray (6) being carried out by following the injection height of the food paste (3) into the printing tray (6).

12. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the food paste (3) is in a viscous and uniform form.

13. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the assembly further comprises a device for separating the food product (4) from the matrix, and wherein the method further comprises a step (26) for separating the food product (4) from the matrix.

14. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein in the case where the matrix is ​​made of powder, the separation step (26) is a depowdering step.

15. A process according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the device for solidifying the food product is a device for heating the food product between 10°C and 200°C, and wherein step ii is a step of heating the food product (4) obtained in step i between 10°C and 200°C.