HeyGears G1 Series Launches: Full-Color 3D and UV Printing on the Desktop

Full-Color Resin Printing Without the Industrial Price Tag

HeyGears has officially launched the G1 Series, positioning it as the world's first desktop full-color 3D and UV printer. The machine combines photopolymer-based 3D printing, textured UV surface printing, and 2D UV printing into one modular platform. Early bird pricing starts at $1,999, which is roughly a tenth of what comparable industrial systems cost.

The G1X, the larger variant in the lineup, uses an Epson i3200-U1HD industrial printhead with 3,200 nozzles and droplet sizes as small as 3.9 picoliters. UV resolution tops out at 1440 by 2400 DPI. The printhead can deposit eight ink channels simultaneously, giving the G1X the ability to render full-color models with gradients, textures, and photo-realistic surfaces in a single pass. HeyGears says the system runs up to three times faster than desktop UV printers using a single F1080 printhead, a meaningful difference for anyone running production jobs.

What the G1 Series Actually Prints

Three modes cover most use cases. Full-color 3D mode builds parts in photopolymer resin with CMYK-plus ink applied during the layer process, producing models with gradients and textures baked directly into the geometry. UV texture mode deposits raised patterns and tactile finishes on existing parts or flat surfaces, useful for custom phone cases, jewelry masters, and product prototypes. 2D UV mode functions as a standalone flatbed printer for graphics, transfers, and direct-to-object decoration.

The water-based ink set was developed specifically for textile and garment applications, with wash durability rated for everyday wear. The system also includes automatic printhead cleaning and moisturizing functions designed to keep nozzles healthy during long production runs.

Software and Workflow

HeyGears pairs the hardware with HeyVerse and Blueprint Studio, two software tools that handle model preparation, color mapping, and slicing. HeyVerse includes AI-assisted tools that let users generate and modify designs without deep CAD experience. Blueprint Studio manages print settings and ink flow for multi-channel output. The goal is to let small studios and solo creators move from concept to finished part without outsourcing color work to a service bureau.

Pricing and Availability

The G1 Series is live on Kickstarter. The G1 Starter Pack starts at $1,999 for early backers, rising to $2,699 at retail. The G1X Starter Pack starts at $3,299, with Deluxe Bundle pricing at $4,999. Shipping is expected to begin in December 2026. HeyGears warns that images and specifications reflect pre-production units and may change before final delivery.

Where This Fits in the Market

The most direct comparison is the Stratasys J55, a full-color polyjet system that produces excellent results but costs tens of thousands of dollars and requires professional maintenance. The xTool O1 Omni is cheaper and more accessible but handles UV printing rather than true 3D layer output. The G1 Series occupies the space between those two: real 3D geometry with full-color ink deposition, priced for small businesses rather than enterprise labs.

There are caveats. Kickstarter campaigns carry delivery risk. The materials ecosystem is new, and third-party resin and ink compatibility has not been fully established. Early adopters should treat the $1,999 price as an early-backer premium, not a guarantee of final retail cost.

For creators who have been outsourcing full-color models to service bureaus, the G1 Series is worth watching. If HeyGears delivers on its promises, it could change the economics of small-batch custom manufacturing in the same way the original Bambu Lab X1 Carbon changed desktop FDM printing.