3D Printed Chocolate Design

I made a 3D printed chocolate design in fusion, with intentions of it becoming a silicon mold, then into chocolate!!

Autodesk Fusion and a 3D Printer

When thinking of ideas for this project I was really inspired by these marshmallow twists for some reason, and these 3D printed twist vases that I kept seeing. I wanted to combine both of these ideas into some sort of form for my chocolate casting.

So then I just began by playing around in fusion, watching a few tutorials on the twist vases to see how I can make these types of 3D designs simply. And I ended up with this kind of cool abstract twist shape that I really like. I then exported my file out of fusion into the 3D printing software, and adjusted the layout to be most effective when 3D printing, by placing the thicker end on the bottom.

When considering the reading and how it impacted my design process, I would say my steps were directly shaped by the readings. I learned that mold quality is really the determining factor in the success of the final object, so I took this carefully into consideration when designing my chocolate, and I wanted to make sure I created something that is durable and will mold well, while remaining abstract and creative. The reading also reminded me that digital files never really fully determine physical outcomes, and considered a lot about negative space, and texture in thinking how that was going to print. I wanted my object to be interesting yet simple, and I knew that I wanted it to have some details that would make my chocolate more unique. I also thought about the design in its functionality, and considered how the chocolate and silicon would mold around this shape around my mold. I kept in mind the fluidity of the chocolate and how that would take the form of my shape.

I glued down my 3D form to the base of the case, and began to prepare my silicon for molding. We all made sure to thoroughly mix the silicon so that it would pour nice and smoothly into my case. I then made sure to shake any air bubbles out of my mold to insure a clean final product.

This step was definitely the most challenging, and I was properly warned about my lack of draft angles and size of my 3D object, but it was not able to push out of the case. I had to physically cut it out of the case, but I was able to get my object out of my mold relatively easily. The glue also didn't stick to the bottom as well as I wanted it too, because as soon as I opened my case, the object came off the bottom.

The final step was preparing, pouring, and letting the chocolate set. In these images you can observe the extra water from double boiler being poured onto the side, this step was crucial, then stir the chocolate to make sure it melts evenly. Then the chocolate was poured into my mold and I let it set for an hour or so as my piece was pretty thick. Then it got smushed a little in my bag but ended up pretty good!