BIQU AJAX TD1s Review: Precision Filament Analysis Made Simple
Disclaimer: BIQU sent me this device for review, but they haven't seen this review before publication and didn't provide any talking points or compensation. All opinions here are entirely my own, based on my hands-on use.
After spending time with the BIQU AJAX TD1s, I've been genuinely impressed by how this small device solves a problem I didn't fully appreciate I had until I started using it and saw the improved accuracy in my HueForges. For anyone working with HueForge prints, translucent filaments, or just wanting more precise control over their 3D printing results, this tool has proven to be surprisingly valuable.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The TD1s arrives in well-presented packaging with a small window that lets you preview the device before opening. Inside, I found the TD1s itself and a USB-A to USB-C cable. My immediate impression was how premium the device feels in hand—there's a solid build quality that justifies the $79.99 USD price point.
I was particularly pleased to see a USB-C port, bringing it up to modern standards. Even better, it properly follows USB-C specifications, meaning I could power it with a C-C cable from my laptop without needing an adapter. This might seem like a small detail, but I've encountered too many devices that require an A-C cable, so this was a welcome surprise.
The Device Itself
The TD1s is compact and lightweight, making it easy to tuck away in a drawer when not in use. The OLED screen is surprisingly bright—I had no trouble reading it even in direct sunlight near my printer setup, which was a pleasant discovery during my testing.
What sets this device apart is its dual functionality: it accurately measures Transmission Distance (TD) and captures filament colour as a hex code. Both measurements proved to be reliable in my testing, and the hex codes were spot-on when I compared them against digital colour pickers.
My Experience with HueForge
I primarily tested the TD1s for HueForge projects, and this is where it truly shines. Previously, I'd been guessing at TD values or relying on generic numbers from online databases, which often led to disappointing results where my prints didn't match the preview. The TD1s eliminated that guesswork entirely.
The HueForge integration is seamless—I simply plugged the device into my computer, and it was instantly recognized. When I scanned a filament, the results appeared both on the device's OLED screen and in a popup window within HueForge. This made material registration incredibly fast, and I appreciated being able to see the values in both places.
The advertised ±7.5% TD accuracy proved to be more than adequate for my purposes. My HueForge prints started coming out significantly closer to the digital preview, with better control over which areas appeared lighter or darker. For anyone creating lithophanes, lamps, or lightboxes, this level of precision makes a genuine difference in the final result.
Beyond HueForge
While the device is marketed primarily for HueForge users, I found other applications for it. The Quick Capture Mode was perfect for quickly registering materials before starting a project, while Continuous Capture Mode opened up interesting possibilities I hadn't initially considered.
I experimented with monitoring filament TD in real-time, which could be particularly useful for manufacturers looking to maintain tighter quality control during production. The ability to feed colour and TD data directly into a slicer is a feature I'm excited about—though I should note that Orca Slicer and Mainsail integrations are listed as "coming soon" and weren't available as of October, 2025, when I tested the device.
Real-World Usage
Over my testing period, the TD1s proved to be reliable and consistent. I scanned dozens of different filaments, including various brands of PLA, PETG, and specialty translucent materials. The device handled everything I threw at it without issue.
One thing I particularly appreciated was the standalone functionality. While the HueForge integration is excellent, I could still use the device completely independently, with all measurements displayed clearly on the OLED screen. This meant I could scan filaments anywhere near a USB power source, not just at my computer.
What I Appreciated:
- Premium build quality that feels solid and well-made
- Bright, readable OLED display that works even in sunlight
- Accurate measurements for both TD and colour hex codes
- Seamless HueForge integration that made material registration effortless
- USB-C powered with proper spec compliance for universal compatibility
- Dual operating modes for both quick scanning and continuous monitoring
- Standalone functionality that doesn't require a computer connection
- Significantly improved the accuracy of my HueForge prints
What Could Be Improved:
- Orca Slicer and Mainsail integrations aren't available yet, limiting its use outside of HueForge
- Price point might feel steep if you only occasionally print translucent materials
- Niche use case means it's not essential for general FDM printing
Overall Assessment:
At $79.99 USD, the BIQU AJAX TD1s occupies an interesting position in the 3D printing accessory market. It's not a must-have for everyone, but for the right user, it's genuinely invaluable.
If you regularly create HueForge prints, work with translucent filaments, or print lamps and lightboxes, this device will pay for itself by eliminating the trial-and-error process that typically comes with these projects. The time saved and the improvement in print quality easily justify the investment in my opinion.
However, if you rarely work with translucent materials or don't use HueForge, the TD1s might be harder to justify. I'd recommend waiting for the Orca Slicer and Mainsail integrations to arrive, which could significantly expand its usefulness for everyday printing.
TLDR:
The BIQU AJAX TD1s is a well-built, accurate tool that solves a specific problem exceptionally well. Its seamless HueForge integration and reliable measurements transformed my translucent printing workflow, eliminating guesswork and delivering consistently better results. While it's a specialized device with a focused use case, anyone serious about HueForge prints or translucent filament work will find it to be an excellent investment. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to take their lithophane and lightbox prints to the next level.
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