Imagine a world where decorating desserts and beverages becomes both fun and remarkably easy—this is the exciting potential that the BIQU Panda Treat food-printing inkjet attachment is bringing to life. While BIQU’s own line of 3D printers might not have made a big splash, their innovative accessories especially for Bambu Lab printers are catching a lot of attention. Now, they are unveiling what might be their most groundbreaking product yet: the BIQU Panda Treat, a device designed to print edible images directly onto food items using food-safe ink.
For those unfamiliar, Joel Telling, popularly known as 3D Printing Nerd, shared an insightful video shot at the Formnext conference, where he showcases an early prototype of the Panda Treat (you can view it here: https://youtu.be/fsmuYcEt9nE?si=ea5MwoW4pNgKUq0B). This device functions as a 2D inkjet attachment that easily clips onto the toolhead of Bambu Lab's A, P, X, and H series 3D printers. It disperses safe-to-eat ink—most often resembling food coloring—that creates edible prints on various surfaces.
The versatility of the Panda Treat is quite impressive. It’s especially ideal for adding intricate designs to cakes or decorating latte art, as demonstrated in Joel Telling’s video. Because the attachment leverages the printer's precise motion system, almost any food or beverage surface can be transformed into a canvas—enabling creativity on everything from chocolates and cookies to creamy drinks.
One of the standout features of this attachment is how simple it is to set up. It connects to the printer via a single wire that plugs into the fan connector, meaning no permanent modifications are necessary. This design allows for quick and hassle-free installation. Once in place, the Panda Treat is controlled through a dedicated web interface, making operation straightforward regardless of your tech skills.
Initially, I thought of this device as a fun novelty, but it’s easy to see how it could become an invaluable tool for bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Imagine customizing desserts with personalized images or branding with just a click—all at a fraction of traditional costs. It’s an affordable way to elevate food presentation and could open up new avenues for creative expression in the culinary world.
However, as of now, there are still unanswered questions—most notably concerning its price. The Panda Treat is listed on BIQU’s online store but marked as 'sold out' with a price tag of $0.00 USD. During Joel Telling’s demonstration, a BIQU representative mentioned they are aiming for a retail price of around $149, but official confirmation has yet to be announced. We will have to wait for BIQU to release more detailed information to know for certain.
In conclusion, the BIQU Panda Treat has the potential to revolutionize food decoration, making intricate edible art more accessible than ever. Its ease of use and promising capabilities suggest it might soon become a staple in culinary innovation. What do you think—will a device like this become a common tool in professional kitchens, or will it remain a niche gadget for enthusiasts? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
