Culinary Concepts & the story of the Brass Crab

When a Crab, a 3D Scanner and a 3D Printer come together to create a replica brass receptacle for Culinary Concepts

The Project

CDG’s Replik8 Team received a request from Culinary Concepts about a project from a new restaurant in the heart of Mayfair, London that required turning a real crab into a newly manufactured replica Brown Crab dish in which to serve their impressive dressed crab menu choice.

"While our sculpting team is highly accomplished, the level of accuracy and tight deadline required for this project made us immediately think of CDG. How could we create a realistic crab dish on such a short timeline? By using a real crab and having it 3D scanned and printed!" says Emma B at Culinary Concepts.

Replik8 Team Solution: A step-by-step guide

1. 3D Scan the crab (dead or alive!)
2. Clean-up the Scan file & create and edit a CAD file, to replicate a food receptacle
3. 3D Print a replica crab using a 3d printed castable material, via 3D Systems MJP technology

Deep Dive!

#1. 3D Scanning the Crab

The first step was to find a solution to scan the crab in order to collect all the data required to convert the scan to a CAD file, in order to transform the real crab into a replica brass container. To maintain the exact shape of the crab the team visited Culinary Concept offices to 3D scan a frozen crab (as quick as possible, before defrosting). To complete this first step we used the FreeScan Combo+ IR and Laser 3D scanner with it’s different modes to help capture the grab quickly, using the 90 laser line mode, and to capture the fine detail using the single laser line mode.

#2. Creating a CAD file of the Crab

Step two, after scanning the crab, was to work with the 3D data collected to ensure the quality is maintained and to start the design side of creating a container from the scan file. To achieve this with ease we used the scan-to-CAD software Geomagic Design X to smooth the scanned surfaces but also to cut away the top of the crab to create a container.

#3. 3D Printing the New Crab-shaped Container

The final step for our team was to 3D print the crab ready to be cast in brass by Culinary Concepts. To accomplish the final task for our Replik8 Team we needed to use a ProJet 2500 Plus MJP 3D Printer a high resolution (16 microns) resin 3D printer from 3D Systems. The material we used was a castable resin called VisiJet M2P-CST Crystal™

3DSystems MJP 3D Printed model in castable resin

#4. The Results

Once 3D printed we shipped the model to Culinary Concepts for them to cast the crab in brass through their factory in India. To cast the crab each leg and claw was separated, and individual moulds were made for casting in bronze. The bronze pieces were then meticulously welded back onto the main body, resulting in a stunning, lifelike bronze crab, explained Emma B.

Cast brass crab

#5. Culinary Concept Feedback

"We were thoroughly impressed with CDG’s service. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and quick turnaround — even in the face of last-minute changes — made what could have been a very difficult project feel straightforward. Both the 3D print and the final bronze piece were outstanding. Thank you, CDG!” says Emma.

Contact Replik8 Team

Web: https://cdg.uk.com/replik8/

Email: replik8@cdg.uk.com