The R&D Tax Credit Aspects of 3D Printed Kitchenware

Food Network has consistently been in or near the top 20 cable networks in terms of total viewership, particularly among adults ages 18-49, ranking 19^th, 18^th, and 22^nd in the latter category in each of the last three years. They are widely considered among the top 10 upscale cable networks, with several shows including Food Network Star and Chopped driving gains in the double or even triple digits. Their influence on the culinary impact stretches beyond their digital platform, as the Food Network Magazine is currently the second largest monthly magazine in the United States, reaching 13.5 million readers nationwide. The magazine has experienced 13 rate base increases since 2009, and possesses over 43 million followers on social media, which puts them at the top of the food chain in that category, no pun intended.

As people have began to dig deeper into the fundamentals of cooking and cooking equipment, there has been an influx in demand for unique, versatile, and customizable kitchenware that can meet their specific needs. In order to help meet these requirements, manufacturers have implemented 3D printing to develop a number of unique appliances and other kitchen items that are readily available, highly accessible, and specifically catered toward the consumer’s individual needs. These items are only some of the possibilities that are now accessible through the constant evolution of 3D printing technology.

The Research & Development Tax Credit

Enacted in 1981, the federal Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit allows a credit of up to 13 percent of eligible spending for new and improved products and processes. Qualified research must meet the following four criteria:

• New or improved products, processes, or software
• Technological in nature
• Elimination of uncertainty
• Process of experimentation

Eligible costs include employee wages, cost of supplies, cost of testing, contract research expenses, and costs associated with developing a patent. On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed the bill making the R&D Tax Credit permanent. Beginning in 2016, the R&D credit can be used to offset Alternative Minimum tax and startup businesses can utilize the credit against $250,000 per year in payroll taxes.

Customizable Measuring Spoons

Model download link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:51874

These measuring spoons can be 3D printed and customized to maximize their utility within the kitchen as a premier tool for measuring flour and spices. They can be printed in custom sizes and have the measurement quantities conveniently labeled on the spoons for ease of use.

Wine Glass Holder

Model download link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:70168

This unique wine glass holder was designed using 3D printing processes and features the capacity to carry up to six wine glasses. It also includes a surface that can be attached to any base before storing the wine glass.

Measuring Cups

Model download link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:703847

Similar to the measuring spoons, these special 3D printed measuring cups show the capacity of each cup to allow for easier measuring of ingredients such as flour, wheat, and liquids.

Universal Bottle Opener

Model download link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1097099

This extraordinary bottle opener features versatility and an ability to open a variety of cans, bottles, and containers that is virtually unparalleled. The tool was completely constructed from plastic, which makes it safe for kids to use and handle as well.

Bag Holder

Model download link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:26767

This 3D printed bag holder is an invaluable tool as it makes grocery shopping substantially easier and puts significantly less strain on your fingers. It provides exceptional support and can carry multiple bags with little to no stress.

Kitchen Pan Organizer

Model download link: https://www.myminifactory.com/object/kitchen-pan-organizer-with-honeycomb-7736

This kitchen pan organizer consists of plastic and integrates the use of several types of mesh to accelerate the drying time of items stored in them. It is relatively light and designed to occupy very little space, which makes it versatile and easily utilizable.

Scalable Universal Kitchen Containers

Model download link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:57681

These kitchen containers are scalable and customizable. They were designed as a spice jar that can be filled and stuck to a refrigerator. Along with the size and tilt angle, these handy items can also be customized to add holes for magnets, labels to the jar or lid, or even holes on the lid to use as a salt or pepper shaker.

General Purpose Hook

Model Download Link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1081862

These hooks can serve a wide variety of purposes both inside and outside the kitchen. Within the kitchen, they provide the strength and sustainability to readily store aprons, pans, and other utensils, or even hang belts or sweatshirts outside the kitchen. Because of their versatility across a myriad of applications, these hooks have become a widespread staple around the house.

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Charles Goulding and Tyler Gianchetta of R&D Tax Savers discuss 3D printed kitchenware.