It looks like the world is now one-step closer to a real-life version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
Starting May 20, New York locations of the famed Dylan's Candy Bar will feature 3D printers that allow customers to design and create custom gummy candies. Fittingly named, the Magic Candy Factory machines take advantage of new technologies to transform candy-lovers' every whim into gorgeous, edible reality. Even better? A turn on the machine takes less than 10 minutes and only costs 20 dollars!
If you’re still a little mystified, the company issued a press release explaining how the Magic Candy Factory works. According to the statement, "The Magic Candy Factory is based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) in which a special mixture of natural vegan ingredients is heated up and applied using a nozzle to produce different shape combinations. The shapes are then turned into coded instructions, from an easy-to-use, user-friendly tablet in-store, alerting the printer where, at what speed and what frequency is needed to apply each of the layers."
See an example of the 3D printer in action here.
Furthermore, in addition to being able to select the flavor and color of their masterpieces, customers will also have "the ability to write names or special words, draw candy creations and print greetings on gummy cards." To make things even better (if that’s possible), newly minted candy artists will have the exciting opportunity to top their final product with edible glitter or sour dust. What’s not to love?
In the coming weeks, Dylan’s will expand their new service to Chicago, LA, and Miami—officially signaling a new era of 3D printing. If the Magic Candy Factory sounds like something you’d enjoy, be sure to check out a Dylan’s near you, or stop by Hershey’s Pennsylvania headquarters, where customers can use a 3D printer to print a limited range of chocolate shapes as well!