SmithForge

SmithForge is a tool for seamlessly combining two 3MF models by overlaying and embedding a Hueforge model onto a base shape with automatic scaling, positioning, and precise intersection alignment. All this using the great trimesh Python library. The resulting 3MF file would then be ready to be opened in your favourite slicer for 3D printing.

This small but efficient script can be used to automate the process of shaping HueForge models to your needs. HueForge Z axis integrity is kept through the process (which means the script does not modify the original Z height config).

This project was originally designed to simplify embedding Hueforge models onto ChromaLink (previously named MagHex) hexagonal bases. Please see the Slug3D.com ChromaLink's framework for 3D printed wall art designing.

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.

Features

• Automatic scaling of X & Y axis to match the base dimensions while maintaining aspect ratio.
• The Z-axis scaling remains unchanged throughout the process to avoid disrupting the Hueforge's visual integrity
• Also maintains model integrity through convex hull clipping
• Automatic centering
• Custom X/Y/Z positioning
• Proper model intersection and union
• Smart Z-axis embedding with configurable overlap
• Base model rotation support

Technical Process

1. Loads both 3MF models
2. Optionally rotates base model
3. Calculates and applies scaling to match base dimensions
4. Centers Hueforge on base model
5. Embeds Hueforge with slight Z overlap
6. Applies user-specified position adjustments
7. Creates convex hull of base for proper intersection
8. Performs boolean operations for clean combination
9. Exports final unified model

Notes

• Default overlap is 0.1mm for proper model union (can be changed with --zshift)
• Scale maintains aspect ratio in X/Y dimensions
• Z-axis height is never modified (as per HueForge guidelines)
• Models must have proper manifold geometry

Future Features

• Add height modifiers and filament colours from HueForge description files in the 3MF output

Requirements

• Python 3.x
• trimesh
• shapely
• A base model (.3mf)
• A model to be embedded like a HueForge (.3mf)

Installation

pip install trimesh shapely

Usage

python smithforge.py -f hueforge.3mf -b base.3mf [options]

Parameters

File paths

-f, --hueforge: Path of the 3MF file that will serve as the overlay to be embedded to the base (required)
-b, --base: Path of the base shape 3MF file (required)
-o, --output: Output file path (default: combined.3mf)

Overlay geometry

--xshift: X-axis shift in mm
--yshift: Y-axis shift in mm
--zshift: Z-axis shift in mm
-s, --scale: Force specific scale value
--scaledown: Allow downscaling below 1.0

Base geometry

--rotatebase: Rotate base model (degrees, 0-360)

Examples

Basic combination:

python smithforge.py -f hueforge.3mf -b base.3mf

Rotate base and adjust position of HueForge (in mm):

python smithforge.py -f hueforge.3mf -b base.3mf --rotatebase 90 --xshift 5 --zshift 0.5

Force a user defined scale for the HueForge model (example: 1.5x size)

python smithforge.py -f hueforge.3mf -b base.3mf -s 1.5