Locanda Margon creates unique 3D printed centrepiece
The grape stalk-inspired piece was printed by Holit, in Holland, for the Michelin star restaurant, in Italy
When Chef, Edoardo Fumagalli, and Sous Chef, Federico Sarzi Amadè, at Locanda Margon – a one Michelin star restaurant located in the countryside of Trento, Italy, and surrounded by natural terraces and endless vineyards – wanted to create a unique centerpiece that was reminiscent of the beautiful, natural surroundings, the pair immediately turned to 3D printing. More specifically, they turned to Holit – a manufacturing and creative studio, based in Holland, with a focus on utilizing new technologies – specializing in 3D printing on-demand, and 3D design and consulting.
The process started with two images, provided by the chefs, that expressed the intended outcome of the project. The stalk of a grape was the form of choice for Locanda Margon. After a brainstorming session, and a discussion regarding all the finer details, between the chefs and the Holit team, an initial prototype, based on the photos provided, was designed and modified according to the chefs’ preferences.
The first 3D design and SLA-printed prototype was ready within two weeks. During the third week, the chefs communicated the information regarding the colour, and Holit proceeded to paint, and cover the part with the food-safe epoxy coating. The first prototype was then shipped to Locanda Margon.
When the prototype arrived, the chefs noted that the printed form needed to be bigger, in order to hold bigger balls of food. Holit then modified the design, and shipped the second prototype – which was approved by Locanda Margon. Holit then printed, painted, coated, and delivered the 12 requested forms of the grape stalk to the Michelin star restaurant.
Excluding the shipping delays between Italy and Holland, the project took approximately two months – from idea to final products.
This is not the first time Holit has enabled companies in the food-serving industry to create custom tools using 3D printing. Other, previous, work includes the 3D scanning, and printing, of a face – which was then used to create a mould, for chocolate. As well as the 3D printing of customized cookie cutters, for another client.
Holit intends to cater more to this industry in the future, as shown by the company’s recent purchase of a high-end pressure forming machine, that will allow Holit to create food-safe moulds, based on 3D printed part templates.
