A chocolate printer that allows sweet lovers to create 3D desserts by themselves is to go on sale at a cost of 2,500 pounds.
The machine squirts (喷射) out chocolate and, via computer instructions, allows the user to build any shape they like out of the food. But makers Choc Edge have missed the Easter rush. Even so, they hope the printer will be snapped up by retailers (零售商) immediately they come to the market. Britain’s biggest chocolatiers Thornton’s have already said they are interested. Because of the high cost, however, few individuals are likely to buy one. But the devicecould one day allow people to design their own 3D objects after submitting their designs on a website. Dr Hao, founder of Choc Edge came up with a prototype (原型) last year and has only just perfected it so that it can now go on sale. “We’ve improved and simplified the machine, so now it is really easy to use,” he told the BBC. “You just need to melt some chocolate, fill a syringe (注射器) that is stored in the printer, and get creative printing of your chocolate.”
3D printing is a technology where a three dimensional object is created by building up successive layers of material. The technology is already used in industry to produce plastic and metal products, but this is the first time the principles have been applied to chocolate. The research has presented many challenges. Chocolate is not an easy material to work with because it requires accurate heating and cooling cycles. Dr Hao said, “What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own products. From reproducing the shape of a child’s favourite toy to a friend’s face, the possibilities are endless. It could be developed to help consumers design many products from different materials, but we’ve started with chocolate as it is easily available, low cost and harmless.” “There is also no wastage as any spoilage (损坏物) can be eaten.” Dr Hao added, “Eventually we may see many mass-produced products replaced by unique designs created by the customer.”
EPSRC chief executive Professor Dave Delpy said, “This is a good example of how creative research can be applied to create new manufacturing and retail ideas. By combining developments in engineering with the commercial potential of the digital economy，We can see the new market prospect (前景)—creating new jobs and, in this case, the chocolate printer is called sweet business opportunities.”
小题1:Which is the advantage of the chocolate printer?
A．It is easilyavailable, low cost and harmless.
B．It mainly produces children’s favourite toys.
C．The user can build the shape they like via computer instructions.
D．The designs made by it are the same as many mass-produced products.小题2:What can we conclude from the passage?
A．The printer sold well during last Easter.
B．The technology of 3D printing promises a good future.
C．The printer was perfected and went on sale many years ago.
D．It’s the first time that the technology has been used in industry.小题3:Dave Delpy’s attitude towards the chocolate printer is __________.
A．doubtful
B．supportive
C．negative
D．critical小题4:We can conclude that this passage is a __________.
A．science fiction
B．book review
C．news report
D．travel guide
