Grayson Carpenter, the developer of CMYKForge, has started OpticalShift, a research project for 3D printed surfaces whose colour and brightness change with viewing angle. Fine ridges in the printed surface steer reflected light, combined with CMYK colour mixing. The project is at an early stage and he is looking for printer and filament partners to test it.
Key facts
OpticalShift is a research project by CMYKForge developer Grayson Carpenter
Tiny surface ridges control light reflection so colour shifts with viewing angle
A new 3D visualizer is being built; samples will be printed and tested internally first
Partners so far: ProtoPasta, BIQU, CMYKForge, 3D Prints by Vic, HueForge
Context CMYK colour mixing blends cyan, magenta, yellow and black layers of translucent material to produce many colours without needing many separate tool heads.
How does OpticalShift work?
The software adds tiny ridges to a printed surface so that reflected light changes with the viewing angle. Colours can turn lighter or darker as the viewer moves. This is paired with CMYK colour mixing, which Carpenter first developed in CMYKForge, a tool that turns an image into a colour material extrusion print using translucent materials. The idea came from a person known as 3D Print Bunny, who wanted printed artwork to show different effects when moved.
What are the limits and the next steps?
Carpenter states that the result is an optical illusion, not a true hologram, and may vanish from some angles. Not every shape will suit it, and ridge detail depends on nozzle size, layer height and material, so machines will differ. He is building a visualizer that links geometry to perceived appearance, will test printed samples internally, then open a public test panel. He is seeking printer and filament partners and publishes his methods openly.
What it means
For industrial users this is an early, desktop-level research idea, not a qualified process. Surface ridges depend on nozzle, layer height and material, so repeatability across machines is unproven. The author of the source speculates about uses such as misalignment indicators or poka-yoke cues, but none are tested. Small manufacturers should treat it as a design curiosity for now and watch the partner tests.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpticalShift a real hologram?
No. Its developer describes it as an optical effect that can vanish at some viewing angles, and says not every shape will work.
Who is testing it?
Carpenter is working with ProtoPasta, BIQU, CMYKForge, 3D Prints by Vic and HueForge, and is looking for more printer and filament partners.
Is it available to buy?
Not yet. It starts as a research project with a later broader release; his earlier tools cost $35 or $70 as one-time payments.