Device for 3D printing of food

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Cartesian three-dimensional printing device (1) for an edible product, characterized in that it comprises: - a removable printing tank (5) intended to contain edible powder or gel forming a matrix; - a printhead (3) positioned facing the printing tank, said printhead being configured to move along two orthogonal axes (X, Y), said printhead having an injection nozzle (8) and a set of positive-displacement pumps (9, 9'), each positive-displacement pump being intended to be connected to a reservoir containing an edible material (12), said injection nozzle having a set of orifices (11, 11') respectively associated with said positive-displacement pumps, said printhead being able to selectively extrude each of said edible materials via the corresponding orifice of said injection nozzle; and - a printing bed (4) configured to allow the relative movement of the printhead (3) with respect to the printing tank (5) along a third axis (Z) orthogonal to the other two axes.

Description

3D food printing device Field of invention

[0001] The present 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. Prior art

[0002] 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.

[0003] 3D printing consists of manufacturing the final part layer by layer, aggregating the material through various processes, only where the digital model predicts it.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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, etc.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Cities and states are supporting local food production projects, aimed at reducing the use of carbon-intensive transportation to move fresh food. We're also seeing production through French supply chains increasingly featured in consumer products.

[0008] On the other hand, aging populations lead to differentiated nutritional needs for each individual, which are difficult to achieve 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.

[0009] However, these technologies are expensive, which results in a significant cost of the resulting food products, which are therefore not suitable for larger-scale use in the food sector, whether in restaurant kitchens or even at home.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Document US 2017 / 0251713 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 then injected by the print head into the bed. To do this, the bed 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.

[0012] In order to overcome these drawbacks, a method for printing a viscous material within a matrix is ​​known from document US 2003 / 0090034. 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.

[0013] However, a disadvantage of the method described in this document is that it does not allow the matrix level 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.

[0014] In order to resolve these drawbacks, document FR 2203833 describes a 3D printing device and method for improving the flow of the matrix as well as its repairability and density, and reducing mechanical stress on the print head.

[0015] The device and method described in this document can nevertheless be improved, in particular to enable the production of even more personalized food products, which may include, for example, composition gradients, mixtures of textures and / or multiple colors.

[0016] There is therefore a need for a 3D printing device and process for food products that can produce a multitude of food products at a reduced cost, and by limiting the mechanical forces exerted on the print head.

[0017] These objectives, as well as others which will appear more clearly hereinafter, are achieved using a Cartesian type three-dimensional printing device for a food product, characterized in that it comprises: - a removable printing tray, intended to contain food powder or gel forming a matrix; - a printing head positioned opposite the printing tray, said printing head being configured to move along two orthogonal axes, said printing head comprising an injection nozzle and a set of volumetric pumps, each volumetric pump being intended to be connected to a reservoir containing a food material, said injection nozzle comprising a set of orifices respectively associated with said volumetric pumps, said printing head being capable of selectively extruding each of said food materials via the corresponding orifice of said injection nozzle;and- a print bed configured to allow relative movement of the print head with respect to the print tray along a third axis orthogonal to the other two axes.;

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional printing device comprises a vibration system connected to the printing tray, making it possible to vibrate said matrix in said printing tray.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the orifices of said injection nozzle are coaxial.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the orifices of said injection nozzle are adjacent.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the three-dimensional printing device comprises a food powder or gel supply system configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tank with said food powder or gel.

[0022] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a three-dimensional Cartesian-type printing device for a food product as described above, and a device allowing the solidification of the food product.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for additive manufacturing of a food product using the assembly described above, comprising:- a step of injecting several food materials into said matrix, so as to produce a food product; and- a step of solidifying said food product.

[0024] The solidification step can be carried out using a device for heating the food product between 10°C and 200°C.

[0025] The solidification step can alternatively be carried out using a device for freezing the food product between -50°C and 0°C.

[0026] The method may further comprise a step of sequentially or regularly 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 material into the printing tray.

[0027] List of figures

[0028] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: is a schematic view of the Cartesian type 3D printing device for food product according to one embodiment of the invention; is a side view of a print head of the 3D printing device of the; is a longitudinal sectional view of an injection nozzle of the print head of the; and is a partially transparent view of an injection nozzle, according to another embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention 3D food printing device

[0029] The represents a three-dimensional (3D) printing device 1 of the Cartesian type, for manufacturing a food product. The 3D printing device 1 comprises for example a food powder or gel supply system 2, a print head 3, a print bed 4, a removable print tray 5, a vibration system 6 and an anti-vibration decoupling system 7.

[0030] A Cartesian 3D printing device, or a Cartesian 3D printer, is a 3D printing device that uses the Cartesian coordinate system. This consists of three orthogonal axes – the X, Y, and Z axes – which are used to determine where and how the print head 3 should move correctly and thus correct the direction of movement.

[0031] Print bed 4 can be in charge of the Z axis, to allow print head 3 to position itself on the X and Y axes, so that it can move in all directions. Since bed 4 is the heaviest element, this limits its movements.

[0032] The element used to extract (or extrude) a food material 12 and incorporate it into a food matrix is ​​called a "print head".

[0033] The term “matrix” refers to all of the food powder and / or food gel deposited in the printing tray 5.

[0034] A "food material" is any substance that can be used to produce a food product that can be consumed by a person. A food material 12 can be solid, liquid, or gaseous. It can, for example, be a food paste or air.

[0035] The 3D printing device 1 may be part of an assembly (not shown in the) comprising, in addition to the 3D printing device 1, a device for solidifying the food product. The solidification device may be a heating device or a freezing device.

[0036] In the case of a heating device, the solidification temperature is, for example, between 10°C and 200°C.

[0037] In the case of a freezing device, the solidification temperature is for example between – 50°C and 0°C, preferably between – 20°C and 0°C, preferably equal to – 18°C.

[0038] The food powder or gel supply system 2 makes it possible to supply food powder or gel, during printing, into the printing tray 5. The food powder or gel supply system 2 is configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tray 5 with food powder or gel.

[0039] A "food powder" is a solid substance formed of fine particles. For example, food powder has a particle size between 1 µm and 1500 µm in diameter, preferably between 5 µm and 200 µm, preferably between 5 µm and 100 µm. The food powder has, for example, a tamped density of less than or equal to 0.72 g / ml and greater than or equal to 0.65 g / ml, and / or an aerated density of greater than or equal to 0.57 g / ml and less than or equal to 0.63 g / ml and / or a Hausner index of less than 1.26 and greater than or equal to 1 and preferably less than 1.2 and / or a Carr index of less than 0.21 and preferably less than or equal to 1.6 and / or a water activity of less than 0.4 and preferably less than or equal to 0.32 and / or a relative humidity of less than or equal to 7.05 and preferably less than 6 and greater than or equal to 5.

[0040] a relative humidity of between 0% and 80%, a density of between 0.1 kg / litre and 1 kg / litre, preferably between 0.3 kg / litre and 0.8 kg / litre, and a thermal conductivity 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.

[0041] A "food gel" is an edible food product in the form of networked macromolecules forming a liquid or even semi-liquid structure depending on their viscosity.

[0042] The food powder or gel deposited in the printing tray 5 constitutes the food matrix.

[0043] The printing plate 4 is located at the base of the 3D printing device 1 and is able to move along the Z axis, to allow relative movement, along the Z axis, between the printing tray 5 and the printing head 3.

[0044] The printing tray 5 is the container receiving the powder or gel distributed by the delivery system 2. The printing tray 5 in fact includes the matrix.

[0045] The vibration system 6 is connected to the printing tray 5, which makes it possible to vibrate the matrix in the printing tray 5. Preferably, the vibration system 6 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 0.01 N and 1000 N. Even more preferably, the vibration system 6 has a vibration amplitude of between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, a vibration frequency substantially equal to 50 Hz, and a centrifugal force of the vibration of between 10 N and 50 N. 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 5.

[0046] The anti-vibration decoupling system 7 allows decoupling (without vibrations) between the printing plate 4 and the rest of the elements of the 3D printing device 1. The anti-vibration decoupling system 7 may consist of one or more anti-vibration pads fixed on the one hand to the printing plate 4 and on the other hand to the printing tank 5. Such anti-vibration pads make it possible to obtain good control of the amplitude of the vibrations within the 3D printing device 1.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in the, the anti-vibration decoupling system 7 consists of two helical springs fixed on the one hand to the printing plate 4 and on the other hand to the printing tray 5.

[0048] Print head

[0049] The print head 3 comprises an injection nozzle 8 and a set of pumps 9. Each pump 9 is associated with a reservoir of food material (not shown). The number of pumps 9 in the set of pumps therefore depends on the number of food materials 12 that it is desired to be able to use for the production of the food product. Of the 4, two pumps 9 and 9' are considered, which are therefore associated respectively with two reservoirs of food materials. This number is not limiting.

[0050] Pumps 9, 9' are, for example, positive displacement pumps. Positive displacement pumps allow a specific volume of material to be extruded. The pumps used can be peristaltic pumps, which allow for a limited number of parts in contact with food, which is limited to the pump pipes.

[0051] The tanks are connected to nozzle 8 by pipes 10 and 10'.

[0052] The print head 3 is positioned opposite the print tray 5 and is capable of extruding food materials 12, in particular pasta or air, from each of the reservoirs to the nozzle 8.

[0053] Preferably, a food paste is in a viscous and uniform form. Its viscosity is, for example, between 10 -1 mPa.s and 10 7 mPa.s.

[0054] The print head 3 is configured to move along two orthogonal axes X, Y. The print bed 4 is configured to allow the relative movement of the print head 3 with respect to the print tray 5 along the third axis Z orthogonal to the other two axes X, Y.

[0055] The print head 3 is immersed in the matrix to a depth of, for example, between 1 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 8 cm.

[0056] The injection nozzle 8 is in fluid communication with each reservoir, via the pipes 10, 10'. The injection nozzle 8 has several outlet orifices 11 and 11' for food material, each orifice 11, 11' being associated with a reservoir, via a pipe 10, 10'. The orifices 11 and 11' may be coaxial () or adjacent ().

[0057] The printing nozzle 8 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. For a more precise part, it is necessary to install a nozzle 8 with a finer outlet diameter and vice versa. The diameter of each orifice 11, 11' of the nozzle 8 is for example between 0.2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. 3D printing method

[0058] Described below is a method for 3D printing a food product using a 3D printing device 1 as described above, a device for solidifying the food product, which may be a heating device or a freezing device, and optionally a dedusting device.

[0059] Initially, food powder or gel is deposited into the printing tray 5 by the food powder or gel supply system 2, thus constituting the matrix.

[0060] The print head 3 is then moved along the X and Y axes (directly) and along the Z axis (via the plate 4), and immersed in the matrix. The movement of the print head 3 can either be done first along the two X and Y axes then along the Z axis for additive manufacturing of the food product layer by layer, or simultaneously along the three X, Y and Z axes for direct three-dimensional manufacturing of the food product.

[0061] The method comprises an injection step, during which the food materials 12 are injected into the matrix by the print head 3, via the orifices 11, 11' of the nozzle 8, so as to produce a food product.

[0062] Preferably, the method comprises a vibration step, which can be carried out following or simultaneously, by the vibration system 6, of the printing tray 5 containing the matrix. In other words, the vibration system can be used continuously or discontinuously.

[0063] Preferably, the method comprises a sequential or regular filling step, which can be carried out consecutively or simultaneously, consisting of filling the printing tray 5 with food powder or gel from the food powder or gel supply system 2. The filling of the printing tray 5 is carried out by the food powder or gel supply system 2 by following the injection height of the food materials by the printing head 3 into the printing tray 5.

[0064] When the injection of the food materials into the matrix is ​​complete, the method comprises a solidification step. The solidification step may be a step of heating, by the heating device, the food product to a temperature of between 10°C and 200°C, preferably between 60°C and 250°C, preferably between 180°C and 250°C. To do this, the printing tray 5 containing the food materials 12 and the matrix is ​​for example removed from the 3D printing device 1, and conveyed into the heating device. Alternatively, the solidification step may be a step of freezing, by the freezing device, the food product to a temperature of between -50°C and 0°C. To do this, the printing tray 5 containing the food materials 12 and the matrix is ​​for example removed from the 3D printing device 1, and conveyed into the freezing device.

[0065] The method preferably comprises a step of separating the food product from the matrix. In the case where the matrix consists of powder, this separation step is a dedusting step, and is carried out by the dedusting device, in a manner known per se.

[0066] In detail, in the case of making a marbled chocolate and vanilla cake, a user of the device 1 according to the invention can proceed as described below.

[0067] The user prepares the two food pastes in advance and inserts them into two tanks coupled to the print head 3.

[0068] The printing tray 5 is then filled using the food powder supply system 2, making it possible to obtain a height of between 1 cm and 5 cm above the extrusion level of the food pasta.

[0069] The print file is prepared by the user, allowing to obtain a machine code for the device according to the invention. The file format used is for example the G-code format.

[0070] The vibration system 6, aimed at uniformizing the powder matrix, is started at the beginning of printing and carried out continuously until the end of the printing.

[0071] Printing is then launched, with movement of the print head 3 within the matrix to create a first layer.

[0072] The print bed 4 then moves according to the height of this first layer.

[0073] The cycle of moving the print head 3 and the movement of the print plate 4 is repeated until the final production of the food product is obtained, following the machine code initially entered.

[0074] The print tray 5 is then taken out of the 3D printing device 1, and conveyed into the heating device.

[0075] The entire print tray 5 containing the pasta and food powder is then cooked.

[0076] Once cooking is complete, a dedusting stage takes place, aimed at separating the food products, consisting of solidified food pasta, from the food powder.

[0077] The invention thus makes it possible to multiply the possibilities for manufacturing a food product thanks to a 3D printing system 1 which allows the printing of several different materials.

[0078] These materials 12 can be extruded simultaneously to obtain a material composed of the different materials in variable proportions. For example, it is possible to simultaneously extrude a predetermined percentage of a first material and a complementary percentage of a second material. The percentages can vary during the manufacture of the food product. The device 1 can thus make it possible to create material gradients depending on the desired quantity of each ingredient.

[0079] These 12 materials can also be extruded in a differentiated manner to obtain multi-material products. We will therefore have several materials that can be different in the same final product.

[0080] In the case of a nozzle 8 comprising coaxial orifices 11, 11', the food material extruded via the central orifice 11 is, for example, air. This configuration makes it possible to create a food product comprising hollow tubes.

[0081] In the case of a nozzle 8 comprising coaxial orifices 11, 11', it is also possible to extrude a first food paste inside a second food paste.

[0082] Device 1 thus makes it possible to create new product possibilities with gradients or mixtures of textures, colors, etc.

Claims

Three-dimensional printing device (1) of Cartesian type for food product, characterized in that it comprises:- a removable printing tray (5), intended to contain food powder or gel forming a matrix;- a printing head (3) positioned opposite the printing tray, said printing head being configured to move along two orthogonal axes (X, Y), said printing head comprising an injection nozzle (8) and a set of volumetric pumps (9, 9'), each volumetric pump being intended to be connected to a reservoir containing a food material (12), said injection nozzle comprising a set of orifices (11, 11') respectively associated with said volumetric pumps, said printing head being capable of selectively extruding each of said food materials via the corresponding orifice of said injection nozzle;and- a printing plate (4) configured to allow the relative movement of the printing head (3) with respect to the printing tray (5) along a third axis (Z) orthogonal to the other two axes.; Three-dimensional printing device according to claim 1, comprising a vibration system (6) connected to the printing tray (5), making it possible to vibrate said matrix in said printing tray. Three-dimensional printing device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the orifices (11, 11') of said injection nozzle (8) are coaxial. Three-dimensional printing device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the orifices (11, 11') of said injection nozzle (8) are adjacent. Three-dimensional printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a food powder or gel supply system (2) configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tank (5) with said food powder or gel. Assembly comprising a three-dimensional printing device (1) of Cartesian type for food product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a device allowing the solidification of the food product. Method for additive manufacturing of a food product using the assembly according to claim 6, comprising:- a step of injecting several food materials (12) into said matrix, so as to produce a food product; and- a step of solidifying said food product. A method according to claim 7, wherein the solidification step is carried out using a device for heating the food product between 10°C and 200°C. Method according to claim 7, wherein the solidification step is carried out using a device for freezing the food product between - 50°C and 0°C. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a step of sequentially or regularly filling the printing tray (5) with food powder or gel, the filling of the printing tray being carried out by following the injection height of the food material (12) in the printing tray.

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