Hueforge Painting
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Last updated
Was this helpful?
FDM 3D printing has entered a new era of artistic expression with HueForge, a groundbreaking software that transforms 2D images into vivid, multi-color 3D prints using a technique called Filament Painting. By stacking layers of different colored filaments and leveraging their light-filtering properties, HueForge creates photorealistic lithophanes, backlit art, and gradient-rich designs—all without requiring a multi-material printer. This guide explores how HueForge’s color science and Polymaker’s engineered filaments unlock limitless creative potential.
HueForge is specialized software that calculates how light interacts with layered filaments to simulate and achieve precise color blending. Unlike traditional slicers, it focuses on Transmission Distance (TD)—a measure of how much light passes through a filament at a given thickness. By analyzing TD values and hex codes, HueForge predicts how colors will blend when layered, enabling users to "paint" with filament.
Filament Painting: Use layer swaps to stack colors, creating gradients and shading through light transmission.
Live Previews: Adjust layer thickness, color order, and TD sliders to see real-time results before printing.
Filament Library: Includes pre-calibrated TD values for brands like Polymaker, Bambu Labs, and SUNLU.
Definition: TD measures the thickness (in millimeters) at which light can penetrate a filament. A high TD (e.g., 10mm) means the filament is highly translucent, while a low TD (e.g., 1.5mm) indicates opacity.
Impact on Prints:
Opaque Filaments (low TD): Block underlying colors, ideal for bold outlines or shadows.
Translucent Filaments (high TD): Allow light to pass through, blending with layers below for gradients.
Calibration: HueForge’s built-in TD database ensures accurate predictions, but users can fine-tune values for custom filaments.
Polymaker’s Panchroma filaments are optimized for HueForge’s color-blending workflows, offering a range of finishes and effects.
TD Range: Moderate translucency for balanced blending.
Applications: Matte surfaces for art prints, educational models, and ergonomic designs.
Specialty: Organic mineral additives reduce plastic content while hiding layer lines.
TD Range: Low to moderate (prioritizes photoluminescence).
Applications: Night-safe signage, glow-in-the-dark artwork, and decorative accents.
TD Range: Varies by metallic pigment density.
Applications: Space-themed lithophanes, metallic-effect gadgets, and jewelry.
TD Range: Medium-high translucency for glossy blends.
Applications: High-gloss figurines, silk-finish vases, and injection-molded-like surfaces.
TD Range: Customizable via layer thickness adjustments.
Applications: Lots more colors to add to your options.
TD Range: Customizable via layer thickness adjustments. Panchroma™ Translucent PLA is a great option for a very high TD.
Applications: A lot of unique color effects that can be utilized that were not mentioned above, including Satin, Translucent for high TD, and much more.
Pre-Baked Profiles: All Panchroma™ filaments include TD values preloaded in HueForge’s library.
AMS Compatibility: Hardened spool edges ensure smooth operation in automatic filament systems.
Mix-and-Match: Combine Matte, Glow, and Silk effects in a single print (excluding CoPE).
Import: Upload a 2D image (JPEG/PNG) into HueForge.
Color Mapping: Assign filaments to image colors using hex codes or HueForge’s palette.
TD Adjustment: Fine-tune layer thickness and order to optimize light filtering.
Export: Generate a G-code with manual or automated filament swap prompts.
Print: Use Polymaker’s Panchroma™ filaments for consistent, predictable results.
Purchasing a HueForge Personal License unlocks a $24 Polymaker coupon (US/Canada) or 23.95€ voucher (EU/UK) via 3D Jake, effectively reimbursing the software cost in filament credit. This offer applies to personal use licenses and includes free shipping on Polymaker orders.
Accessibility: Achieve multi-color artistry with single-extruder printers.
Precision: Polymaker’s TD-optimized filaments ensure HueForge’s predictions match reality.
Sustainability: Panchroma™ Matte uses biodegradable additives, aligning with eco-conscious creation.
By combining HueForge’s algorithmic brilliance with Polymaker’s material science, artists and makers can transform simple images into gallery-worthy 3D prints—proving that FDM isn’t just a tool, but a canvas.
Answer from Perplexity:
