An Argument for 3D Printing 2D Art: HueForge’s Unique Capabilites

3D printers can create incredible works of art on large and small scales, especially pieces that are, of course, three-dimensional. But what about creating art through a 3D printer that’s flat—almost two-dimensional? This can be beautifully executed with the software HueForge.

The concept may seem counterintuitive, but the difference is in the crisp, tactile quality a 3D printer can bring to a piece. The colors pop uniquely, and because the works are multi-layered, they also have a texture that increases their character. Not to mention, by 3D printing art a user can take advantage of the transparent quality of certain plastic filaments to add visual depth and nuance to their art.

Examples of work made through HueForge (Photo credits: HueForge)

Thanks to the software HueForge, users can produce detailed, multi-color 3D prints in this novel way, leveraging the power of filament transparency. HueForge calls its process “Filament Painting,” and it helps users achieve stunning 3D art prints using Swap-by-Layer. The key aspect of the software is how it recognizes filament transparency, which they refer to as Transmission Distance. 

For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, Transmission Distance (TD) measures how much light a filament lets through. According to HueForge, TD is essentially the thickness of a solid filament through which light can penetrate. Different filaments have different levels of opacity. Filaments with a low TD, for example, most black filaments, allow very little light to pass through. By contrast, filaments with high TD would be very transparent.

This means that the thickness and order of each layer affect how light is filtered through, making colors different than the true filament color—something that is, without HueForge, difficult to predict. So, by accounting for TD, HueForge understands how layering colors affect the final product.

Once HueForge calculates how much light would travel through each layer and shows users a preview, the users can then adjust the color, thickness and order of the layers to tinker with the outcome. What’s incredible about HueForge is that it revolutionizes the way users can “mix” colors by layering them. Of course, the filaments are not actually mixed, but through strategic layering, just a few colors can create a wide range of values, without needing a multicolor printer!

The ability to predict what a final piece will look like is the attribute that sets HueForge apart from slicer programs, which cannot determine the colors of a part given the filaments’ transparency. HueForge’s platform even allows users to see the difference with a toggle feature that goes between what a slicer preview would look like and the accurate HueForge version. 

Art made with HueForge, using only a handful of colors (Photo credits: @HueForge on Twitter (left), Phil @emberprototypes on Twitter by Ian Smalley (right)

HueForge and Its Growth

HueForge has the filament libraries of several brands on its website, including Polymaker, Bambu Lab, IIID Max, Protopasta, Prusament and SUNLU. The properties of these filaments are already known to the software, meaning that users can easily integrate them while printing.

Software developer Steve Lavadas launched HueForge in 2023, and notably, the software company already had a presence at Formnext 2024, although not at its own booth. Instead, it was featured in Polymaker’s gallery of artworks made by HueForge tester Ian Smalley.  According to his Twitter bio, Smalley is the “Original HueForger,” and his account showcases many of his artworks made using the software. 

Right now, the software is available on Windows 10/11, Mac OS 11+, and Linux computers. HueForge distributes tutorials primarily through its YouTube channel, allowing users to see the program’s work in action. Notably, there are still some known bugs, which is why the company offers its service for a lower price. Personal and professional commercial use options are available, with the personal use for a lifetime costing $24. HueForge states on its website that its prices will rise over time as the quality of the product improves, so if you’re interested in the program, consider purchasing it now. To learn more about HueForge, visit its website here.

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*Cover Photo: Ian Smalley’s artwork at the Polymaker Booth at Formnext 2024. Credits: Ian Smalley on Twitter (@Ian_Smalley)