It's always exciting to see Ultimaker 3D printers on social media, blogs, and live streams. Pastry artist Dinara Kasko has been delighting us with her "geometric desserts" for some time now. Her innovative use of 3D printing as a process to produce exquisite cake molds has us eager to interview her. How exactly are her desserts made?
Could you briefly describe yourself?
I'm Dinara Kasko from Kharkiv, Ukraine. Since childhood, I've been interested in different types of art and always enjoyed drawing and creating with my hands. After graduating from university with a degree in architecture, I worked in 3D visualization for a few years. About five years ago, I became really interested in baking, and pastry techniques were a completely 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 with many interesting tools, including 3D printers. Eventually, I decided to try creating my own pastry molds—a method that combined my interests in design and baking. My Ultimaker prints on Instagram always get the most attention. 3D printing has a "wow!" factor, which I think people love. 3D printers mean 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 I use silicone to create the final molds for the desserts.
Why did you choose Ultimaker 3D printing for your molds?
Initially, I ordered 3D printed models from a makerspace, but I quickly realized it was a very expensive method, so I decided to buy my own 3D printer. Before buying, I found a key phrase online: "Ultimaker is the iPhone of 3D printers." To me, this meant I wouldn't have to worry about stability, and everything would run smoothly. I decided on the Ultimaker 3 Extended because it was the easiest to use and the results were best for me. I called the local Ukrainian service and placed an order immediately; it arrived within two days! Now I can print anything I want, on demand. I love the sleek look of the Ultimaker, its brightness, and its efficiently utilized size. For me, the most important aspects are print quality and speed. I don't need complex small objects, but I print very large models—so the printable area size is also very important. Additionally, the smoothness of the surface must be considered. Of course, in the past, there were alternative methods for pastries, such as making master models with gelatin, plaster, and other materials. I even tried CNC milling, but these were more expensive and complex, and sometimes couldn't cut intricate shapes. However, this can be easily achieved 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 decoration, as they are the main design element 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 run concurrently. First, I research recipes and experiment. At the same time, I use 3D modeling and printing to test molds. After the initial creation of the cake or tart, I make modifications and re-print, repeating until I achieve the perfect 3D result. It's very rare to make a perfect cake on the first try, which is where 3D printing proves most valuable.
When designing molds, I visualize the final appearance of the dessert, then create a 3D model of the master on the computer. I like to explore different software and choose my own methods, such as 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, as it allows for the creation of more complex molds and their assembly. After 3D printing, the mold is filled with silicone while the cake is being prepared. It's crucial to allow the mold and its contents to cool and set. Afterward, 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 handmade, but now I am mass-producing molds. This wouldn't be possible without Ultimaker and 3D printing. It allows me to test each mold to ensure it works successfully before investing in large-scale production, so no money is wasted. I'm also very keen on helping studios create interesting projects and attracting talented people to complete them.
It's exciting to see such innovative applications on social media. If you also like these beautiful and delicious works of art, you can follow her on Instagram below. If you want to create your own products, we also offer high-quality printing services. In the future, we will continue to share new technologies and events 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/
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