Co-Creating Custom 3D Printed Mooncake Molds
The partnership between Creatz3D and Swatow Seafood Singapore showcases how additive manufacturing bridges artistry and engineering. By integrating ULTEM™ 1010 resin, the collaboration has set a new benchmark for custom tool creation in food-related and industrial applications - enabling businesses to innovate faster, reduce waste, and stay ahead of evolving consumer demands.
Industry Challenges
Existing mold production relied heavily on CNC machining and silicone casting, both of which required long lead times and were costly for short production runs. Key challenges included:
- High cost and time to produce limited-edition or seasonal designs.
- Inflexibility in achieving intricate or complex patterns.
- Limited options for food-safe materials that can endure repeated use and cleaning.
Similar pain points are observed across other industries such as food & beverage, consumer goods, and medical manufacturing, where customization, heat resistance, and regulatory compliance are essential but difficult to balance within traditional manufacturing methods.
Solutions
Through the prototyping process, we've used Stratasys FDM technology using ULTEM™ 1010 resin material - a high-performance thermoplastic known for its strength, temperature resistance and biocompatibility.
Why ULTEM™ 1010 Resin:
- Certified for food contact (NSF 51 and ISO 10993/USP Class VI).
- Exceptional mechanical strength and temperature resistance
- Dimensional stability for precision molding of intricate and artistic designs.
- Chemical resistance for use in food processing and sanitization environments.
Impact
The success of this collaboration demonstrates how 3D printing with ULTEM™ 1010 resin can transform not only food production but also extend into high-performance industrial applications where durability, safety, and customization converge. Some other notable improvements include design iterations, production lead time, and cost-effectiveness.
Applications Beyond Food-Related Use
- Food & Beverage: Temperature-resistant dies, forming tools, and packaging molds.
- Consumer Products: Customized, seasonal, or promotional components with complex designs.
- Medical: Surgical guides and sterilizable tools suitable for steam autoclaving.
- Manufacturing / Industrial : Fixtures, housings, ducts, and semi-structural parts requiring both strength and heat tolerance.
- Aerospace: Out-of-cabin components, lay-up tools, vacuum bagging mandrels and caul plates, bonding jigs for assemblies
Contact Us to request for a digital copy of the ULTEM™ 1010 Resin material data sheet.
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