3D Printer Injects Sculptures Into Jell-O Shots

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By Adario Strange2014-01-09 23:44:29 UTC

Early adopters of 3D printer technology are still struggling to find creative uses for the devices beyond one-off prototypes and weird toys. But a new model could be just the kind of fun twist 3D printing needs to go mainstream: it creates tiny 3D figures inside Jell-O shots.

See also: 3D-Printed 'Bionic' Ear Can Hear Beyond Human Ability

The laptop battery-powered device was created by Netherlands-based software developer Jeroen Domburg, who cobbled it together as a cool treat for a friend’s 25th birthday party.

Back in 2012, Domburg received well-deserved attention when he created a Raspberry Pi-based, fully functional miniature gaming console with a 2.4-inch display.

For his latest invention, Domburg used old CD-ROM and DVD drives that allow the attached syringe and needle to be controlled precisely while injecting fluid into the Jell-O.

Right now, the 3D Jell-O printer is only capable of churning out a cube and a spiral inside the Jell-O using a mix of banana liquor, food coloring and cornstarch. However, Domburg made the software open source and provided detailed instructions on how to make your own. This could be just the beginning of an entirely new approach toward 3D printing that may eventually find its way to your local bar.

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Image: Jeroen Domburg

Topics: 3D printing, Gadgets, hacks, software, Tech