Stage 2 Upscaling 3D printed meat

Summary

In a previous MLA project, the start-up company, RS3Dprint, created a 3D printing method and machine, which turns low-value, blended meat trimmings into high-value meat products. Unfortunately, manufacturing was limited by the volume of meat that needed to be processed and the capacity of the printing machine.

This new project designed and built an updated 3D printing machine that can turn tonnes of low-value meat into high-value products. This project also tested marketability of the 3D-printed products.

The prototype can continuously print high volumes of meat, which makes it possible to turn meat products value at around $9/kg into products that can be sold at $61/kg. Market research demonstrated that there is consumer acceptance for these products, creating an opportunity for 3D-printed meat snacks in Australia.

Objectives

This project had two main objectives:

• to design and build a 3D printing machine with capacity to work with several tonnes of meat at a time
• to explore the size, opportunities and acceptance of the 3D-printed meat market.

Key findings

• RS3Dprint built a prototype machine that can turn 1,576kg of meat (valued at $14,184) into products that can be sold for $96,136; a $81,952 profit.
• The rate of 3D printing is slower than manufacturing processes for other low-value meat products, such as hotdogs, but the return is higher and a larger variety of products can be created. At comparable snack food prices, the benefit of 3D printing is equivalent to $42/product.
• Extensive research and consultation showed there is a clear market opportunity for new 3D-printed meat products and meat/veggie/fruit combinations.

Benefits to industry

Using 3D printing technology to produce red meat products has many advantages and practical applications, including:

• meat trimmings can be used for purposes other than hotdogs and dog food, which saves money on waste and produces a higher return
• providing consumers with new healthy, high-protein, low-fat snacks and products.

MLA action

This new technology has many advantages for the Australian red meat industry. MLA and RS3Dprint are working to partner with a company that would be interested in increasing the capacity of the technology to increase the use of this 3D printing machine to a commercial level.