We are delighted to see Ultimaker 3D printers on social media, blogs, and live streams. Pastry artist Dinara Kasko has been enchanting us with her "geometric desserts" for some time now. Her innovative use of 3D printing to produce exquisite cake molds has us eager to interview her. So, how exactly are her desserts made?
Could you briefly describe yourself?
I'm Dinara Kasko, from Kharkiv, Ukraine. I've been interested in different types of art since childhood and have always enjoyed drawing and creating things with my hands. After graduating from university with a degree in architecture, I worked in 3D visualization for several years. About five years ago, I became really interested in baking, and pastry techniques presented a whole new challenge for me.
What initially attracted you to 3D printing?
I started using 3D printing about three years ago. A friend ran a local makerspace and had many interesting tools, including a 3D printer. Eventually, I decided to try creating my own pastry molds – this method combined my interests in design and baking.
The content I print with my Ultimaker always gets the most attention on Instagram. There's a "wow!" factor to 3D printing, and I think that's what people love. My 3D printer means a lot to me – it's how I became famous!
Many people think I print my molds directly, but that's not the case – I print the master model, and then use silicone to create the molds for the final desserts.
Why did you choose Ultimaker 3D printing for your molds?
Initially, I ordered 3D printed models from a makerspace, but I quickly found it to be a very expensive method, so I decided to buy my own 3D printer. Before purchasing, I found a keyword online: "Ultimaker is the iPhone of 3D printers." To me, this meant I wouldn't have to worry about stability and that everything would run smoothly. I decided to use an Ultimaker 3 Extended because it was the easiest to use and the most suitable for my needs. I called the local service center in Ukraine and ordered it immediately, and it arrived within two days! Now I can print anything I want, whenever I need it.
I like the stylish appearance of the Ultimaker, its brightness, and its efficiently utilized size. For me, print quality and speed are the most important factors. I don't need complex small objects, but I print very large models, so the printable area size is also crucial. Additionally, the smoothness of the surface must be maintained.
Of course, there have been alternative methods for pastries in the past, such as making master models with gelatin, plaster, and other materials. I even tried CNC milling, but they are more expensive and complex, and sometimes cannot cut complex shapes. However, this can be easily done with a 3D printer, so I found that 3D printing yields the best results.
How does your design process work?
When I create new molds, I don't need any additional decorations because they are the design themselves. I've always been a big fan of minimalism and love sharp, linear graphics and geometric objects.
It usually takes several months from the initial creative idea to the finished dessert. This process is divided into several stages, some of which can be done simultaneously. First, I research recipes and experiment. At the same time, I test the molds with 3D modeling and printing, making modifications after the preliminary creation of the cake or tart, and then reprinting. This continues until I achieve a perfect 3D result. It's very rare to make a perfect cake on the first test, which is where 3D printing is most valuable.
When designing a mold, I envision what the final dessert will look like, and then create a 3D model of the master on the computer. I like to explore different software and choose my own approach, for example, using 3DS Max. I also collaborate with another parametric designer who uses programs like Rhino or Grasshopper.
I use Ultimaker Cura software for 3D printing and print with Ultimaker PLA filament and Ultimaker PVA support material. Using PVA in some designs is very effective because it allows for the creation of more complex molds and for combining them.
After 3D printing, I fill the mold with silicone while preparing to make the cake. It's very important to let the mold and its filling cool and harden. Afterwards, I can remove the silicone mold and decorate the cake or tart with glaze or velvet spray.
(Image from pastry chef's IG: https://www.instagram.com/dinarakasko/
Do you have plans to further expand your business in the future?
I am currently selling molds on my website, and 3D printing is a very useful part of this process. The first batch of molds was made by hand, but now I am mass-producing molds. This would not be possible without Ultimaker and 3D printing, which allows me to test each mold for successful use before investing in large-scale production, thus wasting no capital. I also really want to help studios create interesting projects and attract talented people to complete them.
We are delighted to see such innovative application cases on social media. If you also like these beautiful and delicious works of art, you can follow her IG below. If you also want to create your own products, we also provide high-quality printing services. In the future, we will continue to share new technologies and activities related to 3D printing. Please follow our fan page for our first-hand news.
Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/3dmart.com.tw/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dinarakasko/
WEB: http://www.dinarakasko.com/
Original link:https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/52694-in-the-spotlight-dinara-kasko-pastry-artist?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Ultimaker&utm_content=In%20the%20spotlight:%20Dinara%20Kasko,%20pastry%20artist%20|%20Ultimaker