page_title: 3D printing
section_title: Food
hierarchical_section_title: 3D printing / Uses / Food
caption_attribution_description: English: 3D printed sculpture of the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Merankhre Mentuhotep
context_page_description: 3D printing is a way of creating three dimensional solid objects. 3D printing is done by building up the object layer by layer. Usually, 3D printers use plastic, because it is easier to use and cheaper. Some 3D printers can 3D print with other materials, like metals and ceramics, but they cost too much money for most people.
  3D printers are useful because they can make new objects very fast, and are good at making them very detailed. This means an engineer can test a lot of new designs and not have to wait for someone else to make them. They are also useful for fixing parts made of plastic, and for making toys, figures, and models. There are a lot of people who print 3D objects at home.
  Since 2003, many more materials printers have been sold than before. Also, the cost of 3D printers has gone down.
context_section_description: Food can be 3D printed. Lots of different foods can be printed, like chocolate and candy, and also flat foods such as crackers, pasta, and pizza. NASA is printing food to create less waste and to make food that has all the right nutrients for astronauts. In 2018, Giuseppe Scionti printed a food that was similar to meat.
caption: 3D printed Egyptian Pharaoh for sale on Threeding
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