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3D Systems unveils ChefJet 3D printers for those with a sweet tooth

3D Systems announces the ChefJet series of 3D printers, which can print candies and sugar sculptures.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
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Dong Ngo
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The ChefJet 3D Printer being demoed at CES 2015. Dong Ngo/CNET

LAS VEGAS -- If you prefer 3D printed candies to 3D printed cookies, 3D Systems has got you covered.

The 3D printer maker on Wednesday introduced the ChefJet series, a new type of 3D printer entirely. They don't build plastic 3D objects -- instead, they make things you can eat. It's like a Star Trek replicator, if Star Fleet lived entirely off candy.

The first two printers in this series are the ChefJet and the ChefJet Pro. The main difference between the two is the latter can print color while the former is monochrome. On top of that the ChefJet Pro has a larger build platform -- 10 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches (25.4 by 35.6 by 20.3 cm), compared with 8 inches by 8 inches by 6 inches (20.3 by 20.3 by 15.2 cm) of the other.

3D Systems says the ChefJet series' printable materials come in a variety of recipes, including chocolate, vanilla, mint, sour apple, cherry and watermelon. When used with the ChefJet Pro, all of them can be printed in full color.

Edible color candies printed by the ChelfJet Pro. Dong Ngo/CNET

The two printers were demoed at CES 2015 and they created very good-looking candies. I tried them out and they tasted a little artificial, but then I don't really have a sweet tooth.

Both the ChefJet and ChefJet Pro 3D printers are expected to be available in the second half of 2015 with estimated prices of around $5,000 and $1,000, respectively. UK and Australian prices weren't available, but those convert to roughly £3,300 and £660, or AU$6,200 and AU$1,240.