Hueforge Painting
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.
What Is HueForge?
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.
Key Features
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.
Transmission Distance (TD) Explained
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.
What does TD Mean?
In 3D printing (especially with HueForge-style “lithophane/painting” work), TD stands for Transmission Distance, which describes how much light can pass through a filament at a given thickness. In practical terms, it is the approximate thickness of solid plastic (in millimeters) that light can penetrate before it is effectively blocked or no longer contributes to visible color blending between layers.
This means a TD of 2 would mean that after printing a part roughly 2mm thick - light transmission is low enough that deeper colors contribute very little to what you see.
Polymaker’s Panchroma Line: Engineered for HueForge
Polymaker’s Panchroma filaments are optimized for HueForge’s color-blending workflows, offering a range of finishes and effects.
1. Panchroma™ Matte
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.
2. Panchroma™ Glow
TD Range: Low to moderate (prioritizes photoluminescence).
Applications: Night-safe signage, glow-in-the-dark artwork, and decorative accents.
3. Panchroma™ Celestial
TD Range: Varies by metallic pigment density.
Applications: Space-themed lithophanes, metallic-effect gadgets, and jewelry.
4. Panchroma™ Silk
TD Range: Medium-high translucency for glossy blends.
Applications: High-gloss figurines, silk-finish vases, and injection-molded-like surfaces.
5. PolyLite™ PLA
TD Range: Customizable via layer thickness adjustments.
Applications: Lots more colors to add to your options.
6. Other Panchroma™ PLA 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.
Why Panchroma Dominates
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).
Workflow: From Image to Art
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.
Unlocking Value: Polymaker Coupons
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.
Why HueForge and Polymaker?
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.
Hueforge Packs offered by Polymaker
Standard Pack
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Lemon Yellow (HEX Code: #EED230)
PolyLite PLA Azure Blue (HEX Code: #0061D5)
PolyLite PLA Red (HEX Code: #D90102)
Professional Pack
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Natural (HEX Code: #DFD3C3)
PolyLite PLA Lemon Yellow (HEX Code: #EED230)
PolyLite PLA Lime Green (HEX Code: #D5D701)
PolyLite PLA Azure Blue (HEX Code: #0061D5)
PolyLite PLA Red (HEX Code: #D90102)
Panchroma Matte Army Brown (HEX Code: #795A4D | TD: 0.1)
Blue Starter Pack
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Azure Blue (HEX Code: #0061D5)
PolyLite PLA Aqua Blue (HEX Code: #5EBDDB)
Red Starter Pack
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Red (HEX Code: #D90102)
PolyLite PLA Pro Light Red (HEX Code: #DC605A)
Color Pack
PolyLite PLA Natural (HEX Code: #DFD3C3)
PolyLite PLA Lemon Yellow (HEX Code: #EED230)
PolyLite PLA Azure Blue (HEX Code: #0061D5)
PolyLite PLA Red (HEX Code: #D90102)
Green Starter Pack
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Lime Green (HEX Code: #D5D701)
PolyLite PLA Green (HEX Code: #30A45F)
Fire Color Pack
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Red (HEX Code: #D90102)
PolyLite PLA Orange (HEX Code: #F36201)
PolyLite PLA Lemon Yellow (HEX Code: #EED230)
Water Color Set
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Blue (HEX Code: #013178)
PolyLite PLA Aqua Blue (HEX Code: #5EBDDB)
PolyLite PLA Azure Blue (HEX Code: #0061D5)
Nature Color Set
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Lime Green (HEX Code: #D5D701)
Panchroma Matte Army Brown (HEX Code: #795A4D | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA Jungle Green (HEX Code: #4E742D)
Photo Color Set
Panchroma Matte Charcoal Black (HEX Code: #2F2E30 | TD: 0.1)
PolyLite PLA White (HEX Code: #DDD7D3)
PolyLite PLA Natural (HEX Code: #DFD3C3)
PolyLite PLA Grey (HEX Code: #8B8E96)
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