SweetScribe | Devpost

Inspiration

People love customizable things, but custom order candy typically is expensive and slower turnaround.

What it does

SweetScribe uses a heated tool to engrave custom messages into chocolate. It also has a simple touchscreen GUI that means that it is easy for anyone to use.

How we built it

This was made using 3D Printing, some small metal machining, and basic python coding. The GUI was made in PySide, and the engraver was made using some parts of old 3D printers.

Challenges we ran into

Converting vector fonts into GCode was somewhat difficult, and cutting chocolate was unexpectedly challenging. It generated a lot of 'chips', almost like machining aluminum with no coolant. We had to play around with different tool geometries and temperatures to get clean cuts. We also had some challenges getting the large touchscreen to work properly.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

This system ended up being very easy to use, and the GUI is very functional. The chocolate cutting is not perfect but text is certainly readable.

What we learned

We learned somewhat strange skills with this project. One of our team members gained some experience making aluminum tools in the lathe, and we all learned how to machine chocolate.

What's next for SweetScribe

Improving cut quality of the chocolate and making an automated 'reload' system so that a cue of jobs can build up while the machine works through them would be ideal steps forward. Making all of the software run on one unit so that there is no need for multiple computers would also be ideal.