3D In The Kitchen: Notable 3D Printing Trends Being Used In Kitchen Design
3D printing has been around since the 1980s, and since then, it has made an impact on our lives, such as in our viewing habits, including art and graphic design, and more recently, on our kitchens. By 2018, the 3D Printing industry had surpassed $7 Billion in value, and part of that rapid growth can be attributed to the continuing success it is finding with homeowners and contractors. Last year, we saw the introduction and rise of 3D food. Fast forward to 2019, and the additional uses and benefits are becoming more apparent, including the popular ability to customise our homes. As a result, it is estimated that 7 percent of consumers will be looking to purchase a 3D printer in the next 12 months. Every aspect of our kitchens, from the way we cook and eat to the home renovation process for consumers, is being changed, thanks to 3D printing.
3D Printers Are Redefining The Kitchen Design Planning Process
The major way 3D printers have made an impact in the kitchen is in its design process. Thanks to the innovation, it has allowed for complete customisation when it comes to kitchen design and layout, which means the renovation process for homeowners has become much more involved and personal. Homeowners are also able to see printed models before actual construction, simplifying the process for both homeowner and contractor. In addition, not only are homeowners able to design their dream kitchen (right down to its utensils) but they can do so in a budget-friendly manner that promotes recycling/upcycling in the kitchen. Software such as Thingiverse and Cults 3D can help you print useful gadgets from a melon baller to multipurpose kitchen hooks.
3D Printed Food: Revolution Or Passing Phase?
The aesthetics and design of the kitchen structure are not the only things 3D printing has changed. The food industry has particularly seen progress, and more specifically, 3D food. 3D printing has transformed what we eat and how it is prepared. While still largely experimental and mostly used on an industrial scale, the market is seeing the introduction of printers adapted for home users. What’s more, the concept is slotting easily and perfectly into the smart home era, including IOT kitchens. By 2023, the value of the 3D food printing market is predicted to hit $525.6 million, according to Research and Markets. Machines such as the Foodini allow you to make personalised food such as pizza in just a few minutes, with the use of preloaded food capsules. In some countries such as Sweden, 3D food is even being used in the kitchens of senior living facilities. The benefit of tailoring your nutritional content has proved to be quite useful in meeting our changing dietary needs.
Allowing You To Design Your Kitchen Storage And Utensils
One of the earliest kitchen aspects to be transformed by 3D printing? Kitchen accessories. From as early as 2014, companies including Dutch-based Tinello have allowed you the option of printing a 3D model of your desired kitchen design and chosen scheme, including the cabinets. However, it has now gone much further, with industry giants such as Lowes offering 3D Printing for your cabinet hardware. Best of all, you can access your chosen design in store in minimal time if printed in plastic, or just a few days should homeowners/contractors opt for metals or other materials. This keeps in line with the increasing call for customisation in homes and its growing appeal to homeowners.
These are only a few of the ways 3D printing technology has changed or is poised to change one of the most important rooms in our homes. From the way we eat (and what we eat) to the place we make our food, it is all being transformed by 3D printing.
Written by Jennifer Keyes