3D Systems Unveils CocoJet Chocolate 3D Printer At 2015 CES

With their CocoJet and ChefJet Pro series of 3D printers, 3D Systems is intent on delivering a whole new world of edible delights to what’s being called “culinary printing.”

To that end, 3D Systems announced today that the CocoJet, a chocolate 3D printer developed in collaboration with The Hershey Company, will be prominently featured at the 2015 International CES show.

Calling it “ideal for the baker or chocolatier,” 3DS says the CocoJet prints custom designs in dark, milk or white chocolate, and it’s the latest innovation to arise from the company’s partnership with The Hershey Company.

“Our partnership with Hershey, the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and confections, allows us to create unique, exciting and personalized edible experiences,” says Chuck Hull, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of 3DS, of the collaboration. “Our preview of CocoJet at CES showcases the power – and possibilities – of 3D printing, and it extends our experience and innovation in culinary 3D printing.”

Following the recent debut of the device at the 3D Chocolate Candy printing exhibit at Hershey’s Chocolate World, 3DS calls the machine “the most advanced 3D chocolate printer in operation.”

The work behind the project was meant to incorporate 3D chocolate printing into Hershey’s Chocolate World live experience, and the company says it will provide valuable market research on various consumer applications for chocolate 3D printing in the future.

“We are now using 3D technology to bring Hershey goodness to consumers in unanticipated and exciting ways. 3D printing gives consumers nearly endless possibilities for personalizing their chocolate, and we look forward to continued development of this amazing technology,” says Will Papa, the Chief Research and Development Officer for Hershey.

3D Systems says they intend to share upcoming commercial plans for this class of chocolate 3D printers at a later date.

Also on the agenda for 3DS is a showcase for its ChefJet Pro series, the first professional-grade food 3D printers. According to 3DS, the full-color ChefJet Pro will be food certified and able to produce edible, 3D printed candies and decor. Built atop the company’s ColorJet Printing technology, the ChefJet Pro features intuitive, chef-friendly Digital Cookbook software and creates intricate candies and sweets with a variety of flavor options.

The ChefJet Pro is expected to be commercially available in the second half of 2015, and it will be featured at the 3D Systems CES 2015 booth as well.

Have you ever sampled 3D printed food? What did you think of the texture and taste? If you’ve ever experienced the wonder of 3D printed culinary items, please let us know in the CocoJet forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out a video of the CocoJet in action below: