April 22, 2014
Most of people know Julian Sing from his laser cutting work. Sing has been working with laser cutters for years to make everything from architectural models to jewelry, but his other passion is 3D printing.
Currently reside in The Netherlands, Sing has over 12 years of experience in the fields of model making, design and additive manufacturing techniques. "I am passionate about the 3d printing industry and have a real drive to succeed". says Sing. "I'm always looking for ways to better what's out there already". This passion explains why he began his sugar printing experiment.
Sing is fascinated by the things you can create with a laser cutter. He made jewelry like rings and armbands with laser cutter, and even tried to laser engrave a cucumber and banana. Writing different things on the Fruit or Veg inspired him to experiment with sugar. In 2011, Sing made a 3d printed ring using only his laser cutter and standard white sugar.
The process uses the heat generated in the laser beam to semi-melt the sugar crystals which are then fused together as it cools. After a single pass on the laser I lowered the Z axis of the laser cutter, threw in a bit more sugar and hit "Go" once again.
I repeated this process 4 times and in the end it created this 5mm thick ring made from just sugar.
And the best part I didn't even mention yet. While the laser is melting the sugar it smells just like Fairy Floss, oh yum.
How cool is that!?
For this Valentine's Day, Sing made another sugar rings with a more elaborate setup for better layer control. Using his powder based home 'selective laser sintering' system Sing is able to create 3d printed models made completely from sugar. This opens up a world of opportunity. After some success Sing launched a new website '3DChef' focusing on the creative mixing of 3D design, starting with 3d printing and sugar.
Sing bought a Zcorp 310 plus 3d printer in 2014 and started developing his own sugar based powder and a binder agent that would hold the printed sugar together. With the help from food scientists, chemists and engineers the system is getting better and better. Each time he adjusts his settings searching for the optimum setting. "My plans is to continue developing the system and working to a better end product." says Sing. With an eye for detail Sing has been able to combine 3D printing technologies seamlessly with those of standard techniques to deliver intricate 3D printed sugar objects. See some examples below.
Growing up in Sydney, Australia and studying Product design and development at the Enmore design centre Sing has set his sights on creating new consumer applications, for example cake toppers, and looking at ways to better distribute these new products. His most recent work, three 12cm-height 3D printed meshed eggs shows that his 3D sugar printing is getting more and more stable.
"This is now heading closer and closer in the right direction for my cake decorating ideas." Sing says. "I really can't wait to unleash the 3D printer's full potential. I know what they can do so it will not be long. My next 3D print is going to have the Easter bunny hiding inside!"
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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