Columbia University | Research Project
Project Overview
Collaborated on a groundbreaking study of digital food manufacturing, utilizing 3D printing technologies to architect complex, multi-material edible structures. This project focused on the precision control of non-Newtonian materials and the resolution of technical challenges in additive manufacturing.
Technical Responsibilities & Methodologies
Precision Deposition Control: Developed and executed complex toolpaths using G-code programming to manage the deposition of varying viscosity materials, including pancake mix, peanut butter, and cream cheese.
System Calibration: Performed meticulous calibration of Z-axis height and extrusion rates to mitigate common additive manufacturing failures, such as air bubble formation and material "drooling".
Parameter Optimization: Conducted rigorous iterative testing to define optimal printing parameters for structural integrity and geometric fidelity in complex shapes like twisted pyramids and multi-layered spirals.
Digital Workflow Documentation: Provided detailed analysis of material properties and printing processes, contributing to the academic understanding of digital manufacturing in non-traditional fields.
Key Achievements
Advanced Geometric Execution: Successfully printed intricate, structurally sound edible designs that demonstrated high fidelity to the original digital models.
Process Reliability: Significantly improved print consistency and quality by engineering solutions for start/stop extrusion challenges.
Academic Contribution: Delivered a comprehensive technical report on material handling and digital design, fostering further R&D in the field of digital food manufacturing.