Key Takeaways
- HeyGears’ G1X Series has raised over $15 million on Kickstarter, making it the most funded desktop full‑color 3D/UV printer to date.
- Backers can claim $500 + cashback (up to $3,099 after discount) for a limited period.
- The platform ships in three configurations – UV, Fabric‑Print, and Full‑Color 3D – each optimized for a distinct workflow yet interchangeable via modular upgrades.
- Print speeds are up to 12× faster than conventional desktop UV printers, and ink consumption is reduced by ≈30 % thanks to a proprietary low‑volume cartridge system.
One Modular Platform, Three Targeted Workflows
HeyGears designed the G1X Series as a single chassis that can be re‑configured to meet the needs of makers, small‑batch manufacturers, and design studios. The three factory‑configured variants share a 300 mm × 300 mm build envelope, a 0.1 mm layer resolution, and a unified control software that toggles between 2‑D UV, fabric, and full‑color 3D modes with a few clicks.
| Variant | Net price after cashback* | Core capability | Typical print speed* | Ink/Material system | Expandability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UV Version | $2,799 | 2‑D UV curing on rigid substrates (plastic, metal, glass) | 30 mm · s⁻¹ (≈12× faster than legacy desktop UV) | UV‑LED (365 nm) + low‑viscosity CMYK | Can add Fabric or Full‑Color 3D module |
| Fabric Print Version | $2,849 | Direct‑to‑Garment (DTG) & Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) on cotton, polyester, blends | 25 mm · s⁻¹ (≈10× faster than typical DTG) | Aqueous pigment ink (eco‑friendly) | Swappable to UV or Full‑Color 3D |
| Full‑Color 3D Version | $3,099 | Full‑color additive manufacturing with water‑soluble supports | 20 mm · s⁻¹ (≈8× faster than entry‑level color SLA) | Dual‑extruder: CMYK + support (PVA) | Can downgrade to UV or Fabric mode |
*Speeds are measured at a 0.2 mm layer height on standard media; actual rates vary with geometry and color density.
UV Version – Speed, Gamut, and Future‑Proofing
The UV configuration targets rapid prototyping and small‑run signage. Its 365 nm LED array delivers a wide color gamut (ΔE < 2) and a 12× speed boost versus conventional desktop UV printers that rely on slower mercury lamps. Ink cartridges hold 15 ml per color, cutting material cost by roughly 30 % per square meter. The module’s firmware supports auto‑focus and real‑time color profiling, ensuring consistent output across different rigid media.
When demand shifts, the UV unit can be retrofitted with either the Fabric Print or Full‑Color 3D kit in under two hours, preserving the original investment.
Fabric Print Version – Apparel‑Ready Performance
Designed for on‑demand fashion and promotional wear, the Fabric version employs specialized aqueous pigments that bond to cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics without pre‑treatment. It handles DTG (direct‑to‑garment) and DTF (direct‑to‑film) workflows, enabling users to print on garments or produce transfer films for heat‑press applications. The system’s dual‑nozzle head switches between pigment and adhesive inks in under 5 seconds, delivering high‑resolution (≤ 150 dpi) prints at speeds comparable to mid‑range industrial DTG machines.
Full‑Color 3D Version – Industrial Quality at a Desktop Price
The flagship configuration brings industrial‑grade full‑color additive manufacturing to a 30 × 30 × 30 cm desktop footprint. Dual extruders lay down CMYK photopolymer resin and a water‑soluble PVA support that dissolves in warm water, eliminating the need for mechanical support removal. Layer thickness can be set from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, and the printer achieves ≈ 0.9 mm³ · min⁻¹ material deposition—roughly 8× faster than entry‑level color SLA printers.
Why the $500+ Cashback Matters
Kickstarter’s $15 M milestone unlocks a tiered rebate program: early backers receive a flat $500 rebate, while those who pledge after the $10 M mark obtain an additional $200 discount. The net pricing listed above reflects the maximum rebate, effectively positioning the G1X Series below $3,100 for any configuration—a price point previously reserved for single‑function printers.
Bottom Line
HeyGears’ G1X Series demonstrates that a truly modular desktop printer can serve disparate markets—UV signage, custom apparel, and full‑color 3D printing—without sacrificing speed or color fidelity. The $15 M Kickstarter backing validates strong market demand, while the limited‑time $500 + cashback makes the technology financially reachable for small businesses and serious hobbyists alike. For creators who need flexibility now and anticipate new material needs tomorrow, the G1X Series offers a compelling, future‑proof investment.
