Dinara Kasko, uses 3D printing technology to produce molds for premium cakes. With more than half a million followers on Instagram, Kasko has become an Internet sensation and has gained immense popularity for her 3D printed food. Manufactur3D Magazine decided to catch up with this young sensation who has taken the use of 3D printing in food to the next level, to know about her journey so far, her future plans and many more.
Q Tell us a bit about yourself.
A My name is Dinara Kasko. I was born and raised in Ukraine. Since my childhood, I have been interested in different kinds of art. I attended dance classes and took up photography. Also, I finished art school. After graduating from the University of Architecture, I was working as a visualizer for a long time. Then I switched into pastry. Currently, I create my own moulds and my own recipes and teach classes.
Q What got you interested in your profession and being a pastry chef?
A I have really liked drawing since my childhood. When I was 14, I started attending art school. After studying there for about a year, I decided to become a designer. After I graduated from the University of Architecture, I worked as a visualizer for some time, and then I realized that baking was far more interesting for me than architecture, so I have become a pastry chef.
Q How did you come across 3D printing? And how & when did you start using it?
A I tried using 3D printing for the first time 4-5 years ago when I wanted to print my first molds. I found people who owned 3D printers, and they helped me print my first moulds (the first mold consisted of 8 cubes). Then I purchased my own 3D printer.
Q What was your first 3D printed mold/cake?
A We put together 8 small cubes. So it was my first mold.
What was the most recent cake you created?
We have recently created several new molds, but as I am currently out of the country, there is no opportunity to shoot/take pictures of them to post on social media.
Q What sort of 3D modelling software do you use for the mold designing?
A It’s 3Ds Max, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Archicad, Autocad, Cura etc.
Q What is the basic process you follow for creating a new design of cake? Explain from the Idea to final creation.
A First, I come up with some ideas, then I think how I can get them realized; I imagine what my cake will look like at the very end. After that, I create a 3D model on the computer, print it on a 3D printer using plastic, and cast it with silicon. When I get my silicon mould, I can fill it with anything I want (I mean with any ingredients). At the very end, it’s very important to get this mould with its filling well frozen. Afterwards, I can take the silicon mould off and decorate the cake or tart with glaze.
Q While the cakes look delicious, we believe there is a lot of technicality which goes into making one. Can you talk us through the skills you have adopted/learned over the years to master these cakes?
A It really requires certain experience and skills. There are a lot of classes for baking that can help you. There are certain principles to make mousse cakes – we create different layers for a cake, put them together, and then freeze everything very well.
Q Are the mold materials food safe? What precautions do you take to make sure they do affect/contaminate the cake?
A We use food grade silicone which is food safe. This silicon is made by a European company that guarantees that it’s food safe. We cannot do any special investigation to make sure that it’s so – we just trust the company that produces it.
Q What is the next step for you with this technology? What are your future plans?
A I am planning to continue creating new molds. Also, I would like to create video classes, write a book and actually, I have a lot of plans.
In our Experts Q&A section, Abhimanyu Chavan, Director at Manufactur3D Magazine, interviews industry leaders from the Additive Manufacturing community and gain insights from them on the 3D printing technology, the developments in the global 3D printing industry, and also on India’s 3D printing industry in particular.
