WO2023209445A1

WO2023209445A1 - Device for 3d printing of food

Info

Publication number: WO2023209445A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/051843
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marine CORÉ-BAILLAIS; Quentin PONCHON
Original assignee: La pâtisserie numérique
Priority date: 2022-04-25
Filing date: 2023-02-28
Publication date: 2023-11-02

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.

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 an assembly comprising said device and a device allowing solidification of 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 area

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

Prior Art

[0003] We bring together under the generic name 3D printing technologies for additive manufacturing of 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, by aggregating the material using various processes, only where the digital model predicts it.

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

[0006] 3D printing technologies were then transposed to the food industry, using deposition methods by extrusion, by ink jet, by binder projection or even by selective laser sintering. These first three types are today used commercially in the manufacture of food products based on chocolate, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, or even cereals...

[0007] Furthermore, the problem of food production and processing chains is at the center 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 support local food production projects, aimed at reducing the use of carbon-intensive transportation to move fresh foodstuffs. We also observe that production through sectors in France is more and more often emphasis on consumer products.

[0009] On the other hand, the aging of populations leads to differentiated nutrition 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 answers to these problems.

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

[0011] There thus continues to be a need for an inexpensive 3D food printer, specifically adapted to the food industry, which makes it possible to continue to produce tasty food products locally, without additives, following their own recipe and in compliance with food standards. hygiene and food safety.

[0012] Thus, in an innovative manner, the Applicant has developed a Cartesian-type 3D food printing device responding to this technical problem, and allowing increased productivity, obtaining food products of any shape, to taste. and with a controlled texture, with an aesthetic similar to traditional processes, and easily cleanable.

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

[0014] In order to resolve these drawbacks, it is known from patent document US 2003/0090034 A 1 a process for printing a viscous material within a matrix. The particular rheological properties of the matrix make the process possible, to the extent that the matrix holds the viscous material in place until it solidifies. This matrix can be in gel form or in powder form. However, a disadvantage of the method described in this document is that it does not make it possible to maintain the level of the matrix above the printing zone, which harms the self-repairability of the matrix and generates efforts. mechanical forces on the print head (which is immersed in the matrix), such efforts 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 process, while improving the flow of the matrix as well as the reparability and density of the powder, and by reducing the mechanical forces on the head. printing. 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 food products produced.

Description of the invention

The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the disadvantages 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 print tray; b. a print head positioned opposite the printing tray and capable of extruding pasta, said print head moving along two orthogonal axes; vs. a printing plate configured to allow movement of the print head along a third axis orthogonal to the other two axes; d. a powder or food gel supply system configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tray with said powder or said food gel, said powder or said food gel deposited in the printing tray constituting a matrix; summer. 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 printing tray carried out by the food powder or gel supply system is created in order to maintain a constant height of powder or gel of between 1 and 20 cm to constitute the matrix and thus maintain a height (level of the matrix) above the printing area, and this 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 print height allows you 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 makes it possible to guarantee that the material injected into the matrix is always in suspension therein.

[0019] The printing tray is kept static while the print head is moving, so as to avoid the maximum amount of 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 makes it possible to use different food pastes, presenting a wide spectrum of viscosity.

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

[0022] The print head is held securely to be able to print precisely in the matrix, and therefore produce a faithful representation of the 3D file transmitted by computer.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the print head is provided with a printing nozzle. The printing nozzle has a size adapted to the product to be made, and can be simply changed to adapt it to a possible other product to be made. This amounts to modifying the extrusion flow rate of the head, 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 pm and 1500 pm in diameter, preferably between 5 pm and 200 pm, 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 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. The food powder thus has specific properties (and particularly adapted to the intended application) of heat conduction and resistance to high temperatures. without phase change (high vitrification temperature), or 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 deposition), reparability (during the 3D printing phase) and density (after the passage of the head). 'printing and at rest).

The printing tray includes the matrix. The matrix (made up of food powder or gel) allows the pasta to be held in shape.

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

The powders used in the context of the invention are very cohesive and therefore the passage of the print head can pose problems. This passage of the print head through the matrix leaves a groove in the matrix. The die groove 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 tray 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 reparability 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 vibration force 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 5kg.

The vibration system makes it possible to vibrate the food matrix 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 include one or more anti-vibration pad(s) 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 ensures that no vibration is created on the rest of the machine.

The entire device according to the invention is controlled by computer, and follows the 3D file loaded by the user. The file, preferably a Gcode file, includes all of the instructions, including possible retraction and unprinting 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 allowing the heating of the food product.

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

Heating makes it possible to solidify the part and possibly cook it.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the assembly according to the invention can also include a powder removal device, making it possible to eliminate the powders coming from the matrix.

[0040] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a process 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 in conjunction with the application of vibrations to the printing tray comprising the matrix. [0043] According to one embodiment, said method of additive manufacturing of a food product comprises at least one heating step.

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 process for 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 process 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 from 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 sunk to a depth of 1 to 20 cm, preferably 2 to 8 cm, into the matrix in order to ensure good cohesion between the layers and complete erasure. effects of gravity and obtain the targeted aesthetic qualities.

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

[0051] Preferably, the matrix is composed only 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 step of vibrating being carried out after or simultaneously with the step of injecting the food paste in the matrix.

[0053] According to one embodiment, said method further comprises a step of sequential filling of the printing tank with food powder or gel, the filling of the printing tank being carried out following the injection height of the food paste in the print 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 consists 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 to make a food product.

[0059] According to one embodiment, said use makes it possible to prepare cereal products ready for filling.

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

[0061] This makes it possible to improve the production times of desserts in reverse assembly. The reverse assembly technique requires numerous freezing steps, high energy consumption and requires the production of desserts to be spread over several days. By providing a complex biscuit, made up of several shells ready to garnish, we reduce assembly time by 50 to 65%. This therefore allows the professional to free up time for other tasks, and makes this type of dessert accessible to teams of professionals (restaurants, artisan pastries) who did not have enough manpower for such products.

Figures

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

[0065] [Fig 4] is a front view of the food product in 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 that 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] By “print head” is meant according to the invention the element allowing food paste to come out and incorporated into the food matrix.

[0069] By “paste” is meant a food suitable for consumption formulated in a more or less soft and viscous manner. As part of the invention, the pasta is added to the matrix. Advantageously, the food pastes are 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 deposit. Mixing the food paste and the matrix during 3D printing produces the food product.

[0070] By “food product” is meant a food consumable by a human. In the context of the invention, the food product obtained thanks to 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 pasta.

[0072] By “food powder” is meant a solid substance formed of fine particles, here a particle size of 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 networked macromolecules forming a liquid or even semi-liquid structure depending on their viscosity.

[0074] By “matrix” or even “food matrix” is meant all 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] By “system for supplying food powder or gel” is meant the element which makes it possible to distribute the powder or gel to the device. The powder is called food because it comes from an edible food, for example cereals, vegetables, etc.

[0076] By “printing plate” is meant according to the invention the element located at the base of the device and moving along the Z axis, and thus allowing the relative movement along the Z axis between the plate of print and the print head.

[0077] By “printing tray” is meant according to the invention the container receiving the powder or gel distributed by the delivery system, and therefore comprising the matrix.

[0078] By “vibration system” is meant according to the invention a device making it possible to apply vibrations, in order to set adjacent devices in motion.

[0079] By “anti-vibration decoupling system” is meant according to the invention a device allowing that the vibrations applied to one element of the device are not applied to other elements. Such an anti-vibration decoupling system can for example include one or more spring(s) 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 “step of removing the food product” is meant the removal of the food product from the matrix in order to obtain an independent, consumable, packageable food product, etc.

[0083] By “additive manufacturing” is meant according to the invention a process making it possible to manufacture a physical object from a digital object by adding material.

[0084] By “separation of the food product” is meant according to the invention the action of isolating the food product obtained from the matrix in which it was made, powder or gel.

[0085] By “depowdering” 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 that 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] By “discrete solid elements” is meant according to the invention the particles constituting all of the food powder.

Detailed description of the invention

[0088] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional (3D) printing device of the Cartesian type for manufacturing a food product 4. The 3D printing device comprises a food powder or gel supply system 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 can 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 powder removal 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 powder or food 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 only of edible elements. More preferably, in the case of a supply of food powder by system 1, the food powder has a particle size of between 1 pm and 1500 pm in diameter, preferably between 5 pm and 200 pm, a relative humidity of between 0 % and 80%, a density between 0.1 kg/liter and 1 kg/liter, preferably between 0.3 kg/liter and 0.8 kg/liter, 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.

The print head 2 is provided for example with an injection nozzle and a reservoir of edible paste 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 food paste outlet 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 printing tray 6 and is capable of extruding food pastes 3. Preferably, the print head 2 is capable of extruding food pastes 3 having a viscosity between 10 ^-1 mPa.s and 10 ⁷ mPa.s. Preferably, the food paste 3 is presented in a viscous and uniform shape.

[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 printing plate 5 is connected to the printing tray 6 (as will be detailed later), which makes it possible to vary the relative height The printing 2 injects the food paste 3 into the printing tray 6. In fact, the printing plate 5 is advantageously mounted movable in translation in a direction corresponding to the axis Z. The printing head 2 is immersed in the matrix at 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 pm and 2 cm, a vibration frequency between 1 Hz and 10 MHz, and a centrifugal force of the vibration 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 5kg. 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 Figure 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 pad(s) fixed on the one hand to the printing plate 5 and on the other hand to the tray. printing 6. Such anti-vibration pads make it possible to obtain better control of the amplitude of vibrations within the 3D printing device.

[0094] The method of additive manufacturing 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 depowdering, will now be described with reference to Figure 2. Initially, powder or food gel is deposited in the printing tray 6 by the powder or food 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 axes X and Y then along the Z axis for additive manufacturing of the food product 4 layer after layer, or simultaneously along the three axes X, Y and Z 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 sequential filling of the printing tray 6 with powder or food gel from the powder or food gel supply system 1. The printing tray 6 is filled by the powder or food gel supply system 1 by following the injection height of the food paste 3 by the print head 2 into the printing tray 6.

[0098] When the injection of the food paste 3 into the matrix is completed, the process 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 taken out of the 3D printing device according to the invention, and conveyed into the heating device.

The process preferably comprises a final step 26 of separating the food product 4 from the matrix. In the case where the matrix consists of powder, this separation step 26 is a depowdering step, and is implemented by the depowdering 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 in this way.

[0101] The user prepares the food paste 3 upstream, 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 uniforming the powder matrix, is started at the start of printing and carried out continuously until the end of printing.

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

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

[0107] The cycle of moving the print head 2 and moving the printing 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 taken out of the 3D printing device according to the invention, and routed 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 completed, a powder removal step takes place, aimed at separating the food products 4, consisting of the solidified food paste 3, from the food powder.

[YES] 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 is limiting in the context of the present invention.

List of reference signs

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

[0113] (2): print head

[0114] (3): edible paste

[0115] (4): food product

[0116] (5): printing plate

[0117] (6): print tray

[0118] (7): vibration system

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

Claims

[Claim 1] Cartesian-type three-dimensional printing device for food product (4), comprising:

- a removable printing tray (6);

- a print head (2) positioned opposite the print tray (6) and capable of extruding pasta (3), said print head (2) moving along two orthogonal axes;

- a printing plate (5) configured to allow movement of the print head along a third axis orthogonal to the other two axes;

- a powder or food gel supply system (1) configured to allow sequential or regular filling of the printing tray (6) with said powder or said food gel, said powder or said food gel deposited in the tray print constituting a matrix; And

- a vibration system (7) connected to the printing tray (6), making it possible to vibrate said matrix in said printing tray (6).

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

[Claim 3] Cartesian type three-dimensional printing device for food product (4) according to claim 1 or 2, where in the case of powder supply by the powder supply system (1), said food powder has a particle size of between 1 pm and 1500 pm in diameter, preferably between 5 pm and 200 pm, 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 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. [Claim 4] Cartesian type three-dimensional printing device for food product

(4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the print head (2) is capable of extruding pasta (3) having a viscosity of between 10 ^-1 mPa.s and 10 ⁷ mPa.s .

[Claim 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 between 1 Hz and 10 MHz, and a centrifugal vibration force between 1 g and 100 kg.

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

[Claim 7] 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.

[Claim 8] Method according to the preceding claim, in which the matrix is composed of solid discrete elements or microgels.

[Claim 9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, in which the matrix is composed only of edible elements.

[Claim 10] Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a step (22) of vibrating the printing tray (6) containing the matrix, said vibrating step (22) being carried out after or simultaneously with the step (20) of injecting the alimentary paste (3) into the matrix.

[Claim 11] Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a step (23) of sequential filling of the printing tray (6) with food powder or gel, filling of the printing tray (6) being carried out following the height of injection of the food paste (3) into the printing tray (6).

[Claim 12] Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, in which the food paste (3) is in a viscous and uniform form.

[Claim 13] Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, in which the assembly further comprises a device allowing the separation of the food product (4) from the matrix, and in which the method further comprises a step (26 ) for separating the food product (4) from the matrix.

[Claim 14] Method according to the preceding claim, where in the case where the matrix consists of powder, the separation step (26) is a depowdering step.

[Claim 15] Method according to any one of claims 7 to 13, in which the device allowing the solidification of the food product is a device for heating the food product between 10°C and 200°C, and in which step ii . is a step of heating the food product (4) obtained in step i between 10°C and 200°C.