HeyGears G1 Series Ships Full-Color 3D Printing and UV Coating in One Machine

HeyGears has turned the Kickstarter page into a launchpad. The G1 Series, a combined resin 3D printer and UV flatbed printer, has cleared $10 million in backing. That is not a typical figure for a desktop machine, but the pitch is unusual: one device that prints a part, then applies full-color UV ink to the same surface without removing it from the bed.

What the G1 actually does

The system uses a moving i3200 printhead for the 3D layer stack, then swaps to a second UV printhead for color. HeyGears calls it a Relay Fluid Hub that pumps ink across the build area. The result is a part with photorealistic color baked into the surface rather than sprayed on by hand. Early reviewers used it on miniatures, camera lens caps, and phone cases.

Why it matters

Desktop full-color printing has existed for years, but it usually means two machines, two workflows, and post-processing headaches. The G1 collapses those steps. For miniature painters, the appeal is obvious: no more hand-painting faces or armor. For product designers, it means a client-ready prototype in hours instead of outsourcing to a service bureau.

The catches

The G1 is not a budget purchase. A fully configured G1X with the resin station, fluid hub, and ink kit sits well above $3,000. The machine weighs 45 kg and needs a dedicated bench. Independent safety certification for the combined system has not appeared in the campaign materials, and UV ink handling adds ventilation requirements that some home users will overlook.

The market signal

The $10 million backing suggests there is real demand for desktop color. If HeyGears delivers on schedule, it will be the first serious competitor to the Stratasys J55, which costs far more and is sized for offices, not apartments. The real test will be long-term reliability of the ink system and how well the color holds up under UV exposure over time.

Shipping is estimated to begin in late 2026. Early-bird pricing has closed, but standard pre-orders remain open.