Chocolate 3D printer

p>The printer, which produces 3D chocolate by building up successive layers, is thought to be an innovation in gift shopping and has already received huge amounts of interest from retailers.

It is hoped the project will eventually see people designing and creating their own products across a wide spectrum of manufactured gifts.

Lead researcher, Dr Liang Hao, said: "What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own products. In the long term it could be developed to help consumers custom-design many products from different materials.

"From reproducing the shape of a child's favourite toy to a friend's face, the possibilities are endless and only limited by our creativity."

The research team are now looking to develop a consumer interface where people will be able to upload their own chocolate designs for 3D printing and delivery. They will also be able to browse through the creations of other users.

Source: telegraph.co.ukAdded: 1 August 2011