What is Hueforge?
HueForge is a software created by Steve which will convert an image to an STL file for Filament Painting. HueForge lets the user paint the image using a few parameters such as colors, print thickness and more. The software will use the Transmission Distance of the filament to preview your painting output once printed. Once the user is satisfied with the result, it will automatically create the STL file and write the instruction for the slicer (such as the color change layers).
Tutorial from Steve (HueForge founder): Video
What is Filament Painting?
Filament Painting is a technique to 3D print high detail images. It consists of printing a series of thin layers (generally 0.08mm layer height) of different colors. The core principles of Filament Painting is to create different shade/hue by blending the colors of different thin layers.
As an example if your first layer is black and you print one thin red layer on top, the color will appear as a dark red (blend between black and red), the more layers of red you lay down, the closer the color will match the filament red.
If you print part of the model will a few layers and other parts with more layers, it starts to paint an image: this is Filament Painting.
What is TD (Transmission Distance)?
The Transmission Distance is the amount (in millimeter) of material required to significantly dim the light to a point where more thickness will not notably stop more light.
As an example: For PolyLite PLA Azure Blue, it requires a 3.5mm thick wall to prevent most of the light to pass through.
TD is NOT the thickness require to completely stop the light. It is not an exact science however it represent the thickness require to dim the light enough that even if more thickness is added the light will not dim much more.
HueForge uses the transmission distance of the filament to calculate the print preview. It is important to generate the resulting color when blending colors together.
Explanation from Steve (HueForge founder): Video
Do I need an MMU/AMS (Multi Color 3D Printer Accessory)?
The short answer is NO, Filament Painting can be done with any 3D printer. However you will have to manually change the filament in between color changes.
HueForge generated STL requires n-1 color change, n being the number of colors on your painting.
As an example the Photo Color Set model only required 3 filament swap. (The printer will pause at 3 different layer height for the user to change the color, and resume printing).
Multi Color 3D Printer Accessories such as the Prusa MMU or the Bambu Lab AMS will allow the users to automatically change the filament when required.
What is the TD-1 from AJAX?
Get ready to revolutionize your filament measurement process!
Key Features of the TD-1:
Quickly capture TD and obtain the color hex code of your filament.
Seamless integration with HueForge software for effortless library updates.
Choose from Quick Capture Mode or Continuous Capture Mode for real-time monitoring.
Experience ease of use with an OLED Display and USB-C Interface.
Why choose the TD-1?
Say goodbye to step tests and hello to simplicity in filament testing! TD values right off a single strand of raw filament, no printing required.
But wait, there's more! AJAX-3D is also launching their very own Discord server today! Join us to discuss all things TD-1 and 3D printing related, get exclusive updates, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.