The fish processing industry refers to all the processes that happen from the time a fish is caught and is brought to the table of a consumer. It is one of the oldest industries to have ever existed that has been responsible to satisfy the protein intake of humans. Today, this industry, valued at US$ 211.09 billion in 2023, is witnessing a transformation, thanks to the use of 3D printing in fish processing machines and equipment.
3D printing too is witnessing significant growth in niche sectors. It is finding new use cases and applications that is transforming smaller or lesser-known sectors. 3D printing offers numerous advantages including the ability to produce complex geometries, ability to produce customised parts on-demand while also reducing material wastage. As per industry reports, the industry is expected to grow from USD 20 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.5% from 2024 to 2030.
Even though there have been only a handful case studies in the fish processing industry, companies now have realised the potential of 3D printing and how it can help them reap benefits. As both these industries merge and more use cases are built, we will soon see a wide spread usage of 3D printing in fish processing machines and equipment.
Case Study: Curio’s Stainless-Steel Components
Curio, an Iceland-based top producer of fish processing machinery specializing in fileting, heading, and skinning fish, is an excellent example of 3D printing in the fish processing industry.
Hreinsson’s experience with 3D printing began in the 1990s, but it wasn’t until he discovered Desktop Metal’s Bound Metal Deposition technology that he realized its full potential. He was able to print complex stainless-steel parts for his machines using Desktop Metal’s Studio System, which transformed the way they are designed and manufactured.
Impact of Desktop Metal Machines
Through the association with Desktop Metal, Hreinsson was able to build its latest filleting machine, the C-2034, which has over 100 3D printed parts, right from roller flanges to mounting brackets. Some of the components are not just replacement but most of the components are actually improvements on the existing design. Hreinsson leveraged the technology’s ability to iterate quickly and produce parts on-demand leading to shorter product development cycles by one full year.
But the Curio’s case is not only about speed but also about making complex geometries possible with ease. 3D printing has allowed the company to design parts that were once too complex or costly. For example, the internal cooling channels which help maintain the freshness of the fish by offsetting heat transfer during processing were impossible to be manufactured but now they are easily possible thereby increasing the product quality and shelf life.
There are more such benefits across the value chain which makes 3D printing as viable technology to be leveraged in the fish processing industry.
Other Applications
While Curio’s case discusses the use of 3D printing to build machines, other applications include 3D printing seafood. With the growing demand and popularity for alternative meat, Revo Foods and Steakholder Foods are at the forefront of 3D printing plant-based seafood.
Steakholder Foods owns a 3D printer that can produce 100kg of high-quality, plant-based fish per hour. The printer is designed to produce high-quality protein alternatives. The printer has exceptional shape versatility, as it can print any fish shape to meet a wide range of culinary needs and presentation styles.
Revo Foods has also created its own industrial-scale food 3D printer, which can 3D print fish. In September 2023, the firm released the “THE FILET – Inspired by Salmon” proof of concept, which was 3D printed using the Food Fabricator X1. The first 3D printed food product to be marketed in shops was a salmon filet replacement made from mycoprotein.
Sustainability: 3D Printing in Fish Processing
One benefit that 3D printing offers in each of the examples is sustainability. In Curio’s instance, complex components were built locally rather than being manufactured globally, from where they would have had to be imported, with less material consumption and waste, only in necessary quantities, and on demand. Because of this localization, there was less need for long-distance transportation, which also lowered the subsequent carbon emissions.
Furthermore, lightweight components are easier to produce using 3D printing and these use less energy to transport and manufacture. Additionally, 3D printing is also able to optimise the design in such a way that while the material usage is less, the component strength and durability also increases. This boosts the longevity of fish processing machinery, lowering the need for replacements and their total environmental effect.
To enhance sustainability, one also needs to use sustainable technologies like 3D printing to save costs, save materials and use only what is required. To ensure that valuable resources like fresh water are not wasted, companies like Revo Foods and Steakholder Foods are creating sustainable protein seafood products for consumers without sacrificing the texture, flavour, or appearance of seafood.
