The article emphasizes that 3D printing is closely tied to the materials used in the process. Whether it's plastic, metal, or ceramic, these materials differ significantly from traditional ones. While they are now widely adopted, there are still many "original" materials that inspire awe and admiration with their unique properties. Based on this, 3Dnatives has selected 12 of the most innovative 3D-printed materials that have sparked creative breakthroughs.
**TOP 1 – Melted Edible Material**
When it comes to chocolate, people often smile. It’s possible to print chocolate using FDM technology. Each layer is a certain thickness of melted chocolate, but the printing speed is slow due to the low temperature required to preserve its flavor. The American chocolate brand Hershey’s is developing a 3D printer called Cocojet, which is designed for printing chocolate-based objects.
**TOP 2 – Dust to Dust, Earth Return… Statue?**
Everyone wants to be remembered in a special way after passing away. Chinese artist Zhufei offers a unique solution by using ashes as a material to create a statue of the deceased. The entire process takes only three hours, allowing families to take home a meaningful keepsake. This idea may seem unusual, but it helps preserve memories in a deeply personal way.
**TOP 3 – Beer Can Not Only Be Drunk But Also Grown Into Fiber**
From food to drinks, beer is incredibly versatile. A U.S.-based company named 3Dom has developed a long fiber made from beer. This fiber, derived from waste residue during beer brewing, is sold online at $39.99 per 500g roll. With such materials, you could even print a mug using your favorite beer.
**TOP 4 – Sand and Sahara**
Solar Sinter, created by Markus Kay, is a 3D printer that uses desert sand and solar energy to produce objects. By heating the sand with solar radiation and sintering it layer by layer, the printer creates functional items. This innovation not only reduces resource consumption but also highlights the potential of sustainable 3D printing.
**TOP 5 – The Art of Sugar**
In 2015, 3D Systems launched ChefJet Pro, the first 3D printer that uses granulated sugar. The device was used to decorate a Versailles milk cake, showcasing its artistic potential. MIT student Victor Leung later collaborated with a Chinese company to develop 3D sugar sculptures, inspired by glass-making techniques.
**TOP 6 – Recycling Car Tires**
The U.S. discards over 259 million tires annually, causing environmental issues. A California-based company is tackling this problem by recycling tire rubber into 3D printing materials. Their product, "Rubber Pouff," is made using laser sintering technology, showing how waste can be transformed into useful objects.
**TOP 7 – Dough Time**
Italian company Barilla introduced a 3D pasta printer that can create pasta in just two minutes. Designed for the catering industry, the printer uses flour and water with FDM technology. Although still in prototype stage, it’s expected to launch soon and revolutionize how pasta is made.
**TOP 8 – Glass Crystal**
Israel-based Micron3DP, in collaboration with MIT, has developed 3D glass printing technology. The glass is ideal for pharmaceutical and aerospace applications due to its chemical inertness and biocompatibility. Printing requires temperatures up to 1640°C, making the process challenging but promising.
**TOP 9 – Chewing Gum and 3D Printing**
UK-based Gumlab.uk is the first company to print chewing gum using a 3D printer called GumJet. The printer extrudes a gum base mixed with different flavorings, creating layered, flavorful pieces. The result tastes like traditional gum but offers a unique experience with varying flavors in each layer.
**TOP 10 – Who Said Cork Can Only Be Used to Stop Bottles?**
Colorfabb discovered that cork fibers can be used for 3D printing. Their product, CorkFill, works on standard FDM printers without special requirements. Printed at 210–230°C, this material opens up new possibilities beyond wine stoppers.
**TOP 11 – Re-Creation of Bamboo**
Colorfabb also developed BabooFill, a material combining PLA/PHA with bamboo fiber. It is organic, easy to print, and has a popcorn-like texture. This material is ideal for eco-conscious designers looking for sustainable options.
**TOP 12 – Linen and Fiber**
French design company Texilis uses linen to create 3D printing fibers. These biodegradable materials, based on PLA, are flexible and durable, offering a greener alternative to plastic. They are suitable for most FDM printers and provide better quality than traditional plastics.
The fusion of 3D printing and diverse materials continues to push creative boundaries. Whether it's edible, recyclable, or natural, these materials open up endless possibilities for designers and innovators. It's fascinating to see how materials and processes influence one another—sometimes the product inspires the material, and sometimes the material leads to new products. Ultimately, the synergy between them is essential and irreplaceable.
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