Learning new ways to print things is always fun, especially when they require no modification or upgrade on your printer. With manual filament changeover and HueForge, you can achieve impressive prints. All you need is a picture or image you like, and you’re good to go!
What’s HueForge?
The HueForge software is fairly simple. It’s not a slicer; it’s an STL file generator. The software will also generate a text file with a brief description. In that file, you’ll find the layers you need to change the filament to achieve what you designed. Those switches are then added manually to your preferred slicer software.
By default, the prints are done with 0.16mm for the base layer, then 0.08mm and 100% infill. For better results, you can print at 0.04mm layer height. If you decide to do so, reduce the speed you usually use with the chosen filament.
As the layers are really thin, the extrusion flow is low. To compensate for that, you’ll need to lower the normal temperature recommended for the filament.
Those thin layers require a very well-calibrated extruder and printer to have good results.
Most prints require 4-5 colors to achieve something interesting. The software uses the filament’s light transmission to predict the color blend the thin layers will have between them. A lot of the major filament brands are already in the software. You can also build your library based on what you own.
If any filament you have is not listed there, you will have to measure the filament’s light transmission.
This TD tester is perfect and easy to use. Download link
HueForge Examples
PNG
Those PNG are original designs from Onira Designs, make sure to follow his stunning work here!
In the following examples, I use PolyMaker PolyTerra PLA. I start with a base layer of 0.4mm at 0.2mm layer height and 210°C like I do for a normal print. Then I switch to 0.08mm layer height and 185°C at 35mm/s printing speed,
This was a test I did to see the results with a 0.2mm nozzle and a smaller model. I did a 100mmx100mm print, and the result came out great!
This one is done with a 0.4mm and is 200mmx230mm.
Cell Phone Picture
You can also take a picture from your cellphone to do something really unique,
Quick HueForge Tutorial
Color Sliders
In HueForge, you can choose the color you want to use and adjust the color transition of the layers. The view of the model will adjust automatically. It’ll also show a preview of what the print will look like.
Just play with the sliders until you are satisfied with the result shown in the preview screen.
Export
Then, you can export the STL file. A text file will also be generated to describe how the print should be done.
Describe
If you click on Describe, you will have the same text file information directly in the software window.
Try It Yourself
This official test print by HueForge is ideal for testing whether your printer is ready for those kinds of prints. I took this test without any struggles, and the results were simply stunning and satisfying.
You can download and print this model yourself from Printables.
Also, check out this incredible model by ZombieHedgehog on Printables.
Buy HueForge
All purchases made through the links in this post will contribute to supporting my work as a writer and any upcoming project or demo I will do!
Happy Printing
Jérôme
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