Alex, Author at re:3D | Life-Sized Affordable 3D Printing

GIGAPRIZE 2024 IS LIVE!

The 2024 Gigaprize competition continues! After receiving several compelling applications, we’ve narrowed the field of competitors for the prize down to three – Asmbly Makerspace, Every Shelter, and OrthoAdditive Africa. Their entry videos can be found on a dedicated playlist on our YouTube channel here. Our judges are busy evaluating their entries and we’re looking forward to announcing the winner on New Year’s Day 2025!

re3D Gigaprize 2024 - Orthoadditive Africa

WHAT IS THE GIGAPRIZE?

The Gigaprize is a competition re:3D runs to support other amazing individuals and groups committed to building community, one layer at a time. For every hundred printers we sell, we donate one Gigabot large-format, industrial filament 3D printer to an individual or organization that will use it for a good cause.

WHO ARE OUR JUDGES?

An external team of impartial judges with a wide variety of experience and expertise will evaluate applications for the Gigaprize during the second half of December. Our stellar lineup this year includes:

Maria Arteaga

Talent and Workforce Development Coordinator

Opportunity Austin

Gus Berga

Artist

Luke Ellis

Account Executive

Indeed

Courtney Gallagher

CEO

EarthViews

Joe Laszlo

Head of Industry Insight & Engagement

Shoptalk

Jamie Mayes

LIFT Consultant

UT Austin Honors Program

Madelyn Morgan

Circular Economy Program Manager

City of Austin, TX

Ryan Murray

Management Consultant

McKinsey & Company

David Riley

Lead Instructor, Digital Modeling & Fabrication

IYRS

Zane Ross

Engagement Manager

America Makes/NCDMM

Pamela Szmara

Founder and CEO

Pamton 3D

THE GIGAPRIZE 2023 WINNER

Our 2023 Gigaprize winner was Brookwood in Georgetown! Their vision of empowering adults with special needs with the Gigabot 4 3D printer to create art and change lives earned them this recognition.

Michael pregill

Blog Post Author

The Force is Strong with This Maker: Mike Ogrinz & His Life-Size 3D Printed Grogu

Mike Ogrinz is a maker through and through, deeply embedded in the re:3D community since backing the original Gigabot on Kickstarter in 2013. He originally purchased the Gigabot to 3D print the parts for his life-size replica of Robby the Robot. Over the years, Mike upgraded his Gigabot 2 to have a heated bed and dual-extruder capabilities. This has given Mike the ability to use the Gigabot for numerous projects, including making re:3D a life-size 3D printed Grogu (Baby Yoda) in exchange for our Series II All-Metal Body Extruder. You can read Mike’s blog post about how Grogu was created below, originally posted on his website, ogrinz.com.

I’ve had my Gigabot 3D printer for almost a decade now (wow) and every now and then the company behind it (re3D) have asked “Would you print something out for our in-house museum?” They’ve even offered to pay for the filament, shipping, etc. At one point, I *almost* sent them one of the spare heads from my Robby the Robot project, but the thought of all that sanding, priming, and painting scared me off.

Then a few months ago Jennifer from re3D reached out again. She asked if I’d be interested in making something, and even offered me some credit in their store. Well, I did have my eye on a set up fully-machined dual aluminum extruders as an upgrade for my Gigabot…. So I asked, “What would I have to make you in exchange for those parts?”

Jennifer almost immediately answered “Baby Yoda!” and the deal was struck. I figured with the filament cost probably coming in around $100, I was getting the better end of the deal. But of course, there was a lot of finish work required. And since Grogu has so many organic surfaces and details, it had to all be done by hand. I had to completely finish the replica too, which meant learning how to use an airbrush (well, it meant buying and airbrush and then learning how to use it). But I am extremely happy with how it came out. Now if I only could find the time to install those metal extruder mechanisms…

Grogu's 3D printed body on top of a Gigabot 3D printer platform

3D printed grogu with painted shadow details

3D printed Grogu on a sit playing an arcade Star Wars game

The 3D printed Grogu took 134 hours to print and used three rolls of PLA Silk filament.

The original Grogu file came from MarVin_Miniatures on Thingiverse. You can also follow them on Facebook, @MarVinMinis.

To learn more about Mike’s other projects click here. You can also check out Mike’s YouTube Channel, Ogrinz Labs, where he posts educational and informational videos on his awesome builds.

3D printed Grogu using the force to move a 3D model in the computer

Grogu with re3D's pellet and flake material storage

Grogu in front of a computer with a 3D model

Grogu on top of a table, in front of a box with screws

Jennifer Dennington

Blog Post Author

3D design 3D print 3d printer Baby Yoda Gigabot 3D printer Grogu

Reimagining Themed Experience Design with Large-Scale 3D Printing: UCF’s Domain Bizarre Project

In the highly competitive realm of themed experience design, standing out requires not only innovative concepts but also the ability to present those concepts in a compelling and tangible way. This was the challenge faced by our project team at the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Themed Experience Master’s Program. Our project, “Domain Bizarre,” aimed to revolutionize the theme park experience with a queueless land design. Key to our success was the utilization of a large-scale 3D printed massing model, generously provided by re:3D Inc.

The Power of Large-Scale 3D Printing

In themed entertainment design, the devil is in the details. Traditional desktop 3D printers, while useful, often produce models that are too small to effectively convey the full scope and intricacy of a design. This is where re:3D Inc.’s large-scale 3D printing capabilities came into play, allowing us to create a 2ft x 2ft massing model of Domain Bizarre.

Why Printing BIG Matters

The ability to print a large model was crucial for several reasons:

Detailed Realism: Larger models capture finer details and provide a more realistic representation of our design. This level of detail is essential for themed entertainment, where every element contributes to the overall narrative and guest experience.
Comprehensive Visualization: A substantial model offers a more comprehensive view of the project, helping our team and the judges better understand spatial relationships, proportions, and the overall layout of Domain Bizarre.
Impactful Presentations: For our presentation, the large-scale model made a significant impact. It allowed the judges to truly grasp the scale and complexity of our design, enhancing their understanding and engagement.

Domain Bizarre: Concept to Reality

Domain Bizarre is a queueless land designed to be integrated into an existing theme park. Our goal was to create a seamless, immersive environment where guests could explore at their own pace without the constraints of traditional queues. Here’s how the large-scale 3D printed model facilitated this vision:

Design Breakdown: The 2ft x 2ft model allowed us to break down different areas of Domain Bizarre, illustrating how story beats unfolded across the land. We could clearly show where interactive elements, seating areas, and food stalls were ideally located.
Interactive Elements: By printing large, we could place and adjust interactive elements within the model, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the environment and contributed to the overall guest experience.
Optimized Layout: The detailed model helped us optimize the placement of various features, ensuring that every element—from food stalls to seating areas—was strategically placed to enhance the guest experience.

The Role of re:3D Inc.

While UCF’s Themed Experience Master’s Program provided the platform for our project, it was re:3D Inc. that made our vision a reality. Their Gigabot 3D printer allowed us to create a detailed, large-scale massing model that was pivotal to our presentation’s success. The ability to “print HUGE” provided a level of detail and realism that desktop models simply cannot achieve.

Presentation Impact

The impact of our large-scale model on the presentation was profound. Judges were able to see our world in a tangible form, allowing them to fully appreciate the intricacies and thoughtfulness of our design. The model’s size and detail made it easier for them to visualize how Domain Bizarre would function in real life, enhancing the overall effect of our presentation.

Conclusion

The successful presentation of Domain Bizarre demonstrates the critical role that large-scale 3D printing can play in themed experience design. By collaborating with re:3D Inc., our project team was able to create a compelling and detailed massing model that brought our vision to life. This experience underscores the importance of innovative presentation tools in the field of themed entertainment, paving the way for future projects to push the boundaries of creativity and design.

For our team, the journey of Domain Bizarre was not just about presenting a project; it was about pioneering new methods of visual storytelling and spatial design. With the help of re:3D Inc., we showcased how large-scale 3D printing can transform abstract concepts into tangible realities, setting a new standard for themed experience presentations.

Mike Strong

Blog Post Author

3d printing Gigabot 3D printer Rapid Prototyping Themed Park

TerabotX 2 3D Printers

Fulfill your large-format FGF 3D printing needs with TerabotX 2, expanding the size of your build volume to 879 x 908 x 830mm. This direct-drive pellet extrusion based 3D Printer can print from virgin or recycled pellets, flake, or regrind – and bring us even closer to the dream of a circular economy.

A ⅝” extruder screw with a 16:1 L/D ratio powered by a NEMA 23 motor enables 3D printing with 3-5mm plastic granules with melting temperatures below 270ºC. With a larger 0.4, 0.8, 1.75 or 3mm nozzle, TerabotX 2 3D printer reduces the dependence on printing with filament while supporting plastic granule mixing, increasing printing speed and cost savings.

Your open-source industrial 3D printer is powered by a 32bit Ultimachine ArchiMajor control board and Klipper firmware run on a Raspberry Pi. Access TerabotX 2 controls via the Mainsail interface on either the 10” LCD touchscreen or a desktop or mobile web browser.

Hand-crafted in Texas by team re:3D to highly precise standards, your TerabotX 2 3D printer is modular, upgradable and backed by Lifetime Customer Support.

Specialty 3D printing Pellets and flake materials

Specialty Pellets & Flake

Specialty Specialty pellets and flake are unique materials created for specific use cases. Sometimes, common materials like PLA or ABS

rPC Flake

rPC Polycarbonate (PC) is a high performance material intended for use in engineering and industrial settings. As suggested by its

rPLA Flake

rPLA Polylactic Acid, more commonly known as PLA, is one of the most frequently used materials in 3D printing. Its

rPET Pellets

rPET Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a durable material with either a glossy appearance or opaque appearance depending on its crystallinity.

Image of Gigabot 4 and GigabotX 2 3D printers side by side

image of the simplify3D software slicing a 3D model for 3D printing

Image of a hand tightening a screw on a 3D printer print head

Image of different Gigabot 3D printer replacement parts arranged on top of a white background

Engineering Update – April 2024

It’s been a while since we’ve shared the progress being made by re:3D’s engineering team – June 2023, to be

A green plated circuit board with many electrical components.

New Year, New Printers! Meet Gigabot 4, Terabot 4, GigabotX 2 & TerabotX 2

Left To Right: Gigabot 4 with Enclosure, Gigabot 4 XLT, Terabot 4, Exabot, TerabotX 2, GigabotX 2 XLT, GigabotX 2

re:3D installing Terabot and Terabot X at the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, MA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE re:3D installing Terabot and Terabot X at the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston, MA Boston, MA –

Play Video

GigabotX 2 XLT 3D Printer

GigabotX 2 XLT Three Zone Independently Controlled Barrel Heaters 5/8″ Extruder Screw with a16:1 L/D Ratio and a0.4,0.8, 1.75 or

GigabotX 2 3D Printer

GigabotX 2 Three Zone Independently Controlled Barrel Heaters 5/8″ Extruder Screw with a16:1 L/D Ratio and a0.4,0.8, 1.75 or 3mm

Revolutionizing Chair Manufacturing: A Journey with Rhodes and re:3D’s Gigabot

Leia em português

Have you ever considered how the chair you are sitting on right now was made? It’s a question that often goes overlooked in our daily lives, yet the answer reveals a world of innovation and creativity shaping the furniture industry. One of the notable players in this space is Brazilian manufacturer, Rhodes. Founded in 1964, Rhodes has been at the forefront of chair component manufacturing, producing around 5 million components annually for various seating solutions, from office chairs to public seating in airports and stadiums.

Rhodes plays a vital role in providing essential elements for operative chair lines. Key products include bases, columns, and mechanisms, which maintain Rhode’s strong presence as a component supplier. Despite market challenges, especially during Brazil’s economic crisis in 2013-2014, Rhodes has excelled. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Rhodes expanded into the ready-made chair market, adapting to the growing need for home offices. Currently, Rhodes is a major manufacturer of chairs and chair components in Brazil and exports its products to other Latin American countries, the United States, and some parts of Europe.

Rhodes’ integration of 3D printing played a crucial role in streamlining their manufacturing process and achieving global success. Initially, Rhodes outsourced their 3D printing needs. They would create a computer-aided design (CAD) file for their chair component prototypes, send it to a partner company in Italy, and wait for the 3D printed component to come back. The cost and time constraints prompted Rhodes to explore other alternatives. After a Google search led Rhodes to re:3D, the size and affordability of re:3D’s Gigabot cemented their purchase as Rhodes first in-house 3D printer for prototyping and design iterations. A decade later, Rhodes’ workhorse Gigabot 2 is still going strong, being used to 3D prototype every plastic component of their furniture lines.

"The Gigabot has paid for itself many times over. Having the capability in-house eliminates development constraints. For instance, I've even created a chair base prototype where each of the five legs was distinct, allowing me to assess the best aesthetic for the product within a single piece."

Júlio Reis - Senior Product Designer at Rhodes

re3D blog - Rhodes chair manufacturing 3D printed part

re3D blog - Rhodes chair manufacturing Prototype 2

Gigabot’s robustness and versatility has allowed Rhodes to seamlessly integrate 3D printing into their development processes. From mitigating design flaws to producing quick 3D prototypes for assessment, Gigabot has been a reliable companion, functioning almost continuously for a decade. But it wasn’t always that easy. It took Júlio a full year of experimenting and learning before getting quality prints from Gigabot, since he had no prior 3D printing experience when Rhodes decided to test the technology. Julio had to determine which material to print with and find a reliable national supplier. He ended up choosing ABS because of its durability, which was key to testing the prototypes before finalizing their design. Júlio built an enclosure for the machine to overcome temperature differences during different seasons and ensure ABS would print year-round. He has also tested every type of glue on the market, including hairspray, to make the prints adhere to the print bed, as re:3D’s original Gigabot 2 did not come with PrintinZ.

"I need to have a prototype to ensure assembly and reliability, especially for the design of the piece. [Gigabot] allowed me to try new fastening technologies, something that wasn't possible some time ago, as I required a mold to create the geometry I needed."

Júlio Reis - Senior Product Designer at Rhodes

Júlio started small, prototyping components of chairs such as caster bases, columns, mechanisms, seats, and backrests. Rhodes also began to use Gigabot to print replacement parts for machines in their factory and has been contracted by their vendors to CAD other non-chair-related products. Because of their success with Gigabot 2, Rhodes purchased a Gigabot 4, which will be an upgrade from their current, single-extruder workhorse. Júlio anticipates enhanced ease of use and agility, allowing for increased prototyping and quicker project timelines. Júlio believes that 3D printing’s strength and effectiveness is well-established and expects the technology to continue influencing the furniture industry.

"[Gigabot] allows you to design things you wouldn't if you didn't have it; it enables you to take more risks, to take more shots. It gives you more bullets to hit the target."

Júlio Reis - Senior Product Designer at Rhodes

The integration of Gigabot at Rhodes exemplifies how innovative technologies can revolutionize traditional industries. Júlio’s insights showcase the profound impact of 3D printing on Rhodes’ development processes, fostering creativity, and enabling the exploration of new design possibilities. Looking towards the future, Rhodes is poised to take its manufacturing capabilities to new heights with the upcoming addition of the Gigabot 4. With its dual-extrusion print head, this advanced 3D printer will enable Rhodes to produce larger, more intricate 3D prototypes, pushing the boundaries of design creation even further. Moreover, by doubling their printing capacity with two Gigabots, Rhodes aims to accelerate their prototyping process, allowing for quicker iteration and refinement of their chair designs. As Rhodes continues to leverage Gigabot’s capabilities, it exemplifies a story of adaptation and innovation in the furniture manufacturing industry that is not slowing down.

Revolucionando a Fabricação de Cadeiras: Uma Jornada com a Rhodes e a Gigabot da re:3D

Você já parou para pensar em como a cadeira em que você está sentado agora foi feita? É uma pergunta que muitas vezes passa despercebida em nossas vidas diárias, mas a resposta revela um mundo de inovação e criatividade que está moldando a indústria de móveis. Um dos nomes mais fortes nesse espaço é a fabricante brasileira Rhodes. Fundada em 1964, a Rhodes tem estado na vanguarda da fabricação de componentes para cadeiras, produzindo cerca de 5 milhões de componentes anualmente para várias soluções de assentos, desde cadeiras de escritório até assentos públicos em aeroportos e estádios.

A Rhodes desempenha um papel vital no fornecimento de elementos essenciais para linhas de cadeiras operativas. Os principais produtos incluem bases, colunas e mecanismos, o que mantêm a forte presença da Rhodes como fornecedora de componentes. Apesar dos desafios do mercado, especialmente durante a crise econômica do Brasil em 2013-2014, a Rhodes se destacou. Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, a empresa expandiu seu portfólio para o mercado de cadeiras prontas, adaptando-se à crescente necessidade do home office. Atualmente, a Rhodes é uma das principais fabricantes de cadeiras e componentes para cadeiras no Brasil, além de exportar seus produtos para outros países da América Latina, Estados Unidos e algumas partes da Europa.

A integração da impressão 3D pela Rhodes desempenhou um papel crucial na otimização do seu processo de fabricação e no alcance do sucesso global. Inicialmente, a Rhodes terceirizava suas necessidades de impressão 3D. Eles criavam um arquivo de design assistido por computador (CAD) para os protótipos de componentes das cadeiras, enviavam para uma empresa parceira na Itália e aguardavam o retorno do componente impresso em 3D. Os custos e as restrições de tempo levaram a Rhodes a explorar outras alternativas. Após uma pesquisa no Google levar a Rhodes à re:3D, o tamanho e a acessibilidade do Gigabot da re:3D consolidaram a compra como a primeira impressora 3D interna da Rhodes para prototipagem e iterações de design. Uma década depois, a robusta Gigabot 2 da Rhodes ainda está em plena atividade, sendo usada para prototipar todos os componentes plásticos de suas linhas de móveis.

"A Gigabot se pagou muitas vezes. Ter essa capacidade internamente elimina as limitações de desenvolvimento. Por exemplo, já criei um protótipo de base de cadeira onde cada uma das cinco patas eram diferentes, permitindo-me avaliar a melhor estética para o produto em uma única peça."

Júlio Reis - Designer de Produto Sênior da Rhodes

A robustez e a versatilidade do Gigabot permitiram à Rhodes integrar perfeitamente a impressão 3D em seus processos de desenvolvimento. Desde mitigar falhas de design até produzir protótipos rápidos para avaliação, a Gigabot tem sido uma companheira confiável, funcionando quase que continuamente por uma década. Mas nem sempre foi tão fácil. Júlio levou um ano inteiro de experimentação e aprendizado antes de conseguir impressões de qualidade com a Gigabot, já que ele não tinha experiência prévia com impressão 3D quando a Rhodes decidiu testar a tecnologia. Júlio teve que determinar qual material usar para impressão e encontrar um fornecedor nacional confiável. Ele acabou escolhendo ABS por causa de sua durabilidade, o que foi crucial para testar os protótipos antes de finalizar o design. Júlio construiu uma caixa de proteção para a máquina para superar as diferenças de temperatura durante as diferentes estações, garantindo que o ABS fosse impresso durante todo o ano. Ele também testou todos os tipos de cola no mercado, incluindo spray de cabelo, para fazer as impressões aderirem à mesa de impressão, já que o Gigabot 2 original da re:3D não vinha com a tecnologia PrintinZ.

"Preciso ter um protótipo para garantir a montagem e a confiabilidade, especialmente para o design da peça. [A Gigabot] me permitiu experimentar novas tecnologias de fixação, algo que não era possível há algum tempo, pois eu precisava de um molde para criar a geometria necessária."

Júlio Reis - Designer de Produto Sênior da Rhodes

Júlio começou pequeno, prototipando componentes de cadeiras, como bases de rodízios, colunas, mecanismos, assentos e encostos. A Rhodes também começou a usar o Gigabot para imprimir peças de reposição para máquinas em sua fábrica e foi contratada por seus fornecedores para criar em CAD outros produtos não relacionados a cadeiras. Devido ao sucesso da Gigabot 2, a Rhodes comprou uma Gigabot 4, que será uma atualização em relação ao seu robusto equipamento atual de extrusora única. Júlio prevê maior facilidade de uso e agilidade, permitindo mãos projetos de prototipagem e prazos mais curtos. Júlio acredita que a força e a eficácia da impressão 3D estão bem estabelecidas e espera que a tecnologia continue influenciando a indústria de móveis.

"[A Gigabot] permite que você projete coisas que não projetaria se não a tivesse; permite que você corra mais riscos, faça mais tentativas. Ele te dá mais munição para acertar o alvo."

Júlio Reis - Designer de Produto Sênior da Rhodes

A integração da Gigabot na Rhodes exemplifica como tecnologias inovadoras podem revolucionar indústrias tradicionais. As percepções de Júlio mostram o profundo impacto da impressão 3D nos processos de desenvolvimento da Rhodes, promovendo a criatividade e possibilitando a exploração de novas possibilidades de design. Olhando para o futuro, a Rhodes está pronta para levar suas capacidades de fabricação a novos patamares com a próxima adição da Gigabot 4. Com sua cabeça de impressão de dupla extrusão, esta avançada impressora 3D permitirá que a Rhodes produza protótipos maiores e mais intrincados, expandindo ainda mais os limites da criação de design. Além disso, ao dobrar sua capacidade de impressão com duas Gigabots, a Rhodes visa acelerar seu processo de prototipagem, permitindo uma iteração e refinamento mais rápidos dos designs de suas cadeiras. À medida que a Rhodes continua a aproveitar as capacidades da Gigabot, a empresa reforça uma história de adaptação e inovação na indústria de fabricação de móveis que não está desacelerando.

Jennifer Dennington

Blog Post Author

Engineering Update – April 2024

It’s been a while since we’ve shared the progress being made by re:3D’s engineering team – June 2023, to be precise. But with the move of our headquarters from Houston to Austin (Texas) underway, it seems like a good time to take stock of where we are and where we’re going in the figurative sense as well.

The Gigabot FFF (Filament) Platform

re:3D took an intense look at reports of “filament grinding” submitted by our Gigabot user community, taking input from all the spheres within our company. It turns out that “filament grinding” means different things to different people, so our first step was to agree on a common lexicon and definition. We landed on a concise problem statement: “Customers experience poor extrusion performance due to the extruder gear removing material from the filament, “ which captures multiple causes and failure modes or symptoms. The engineering team evaluated, modeled and tested printer components all along the filament path – beginning at the spindle holding the filament spool down to the exit of the extruder nozzle. While recognizing that every user can encounter unique challenges and edge cases, this exercise ranked potential root causes and recommended optimizations in printer slicing parameters and specific improvements in the extruder manufacturing process. We expect these internal improvements and updated slicer profiles to improve overall reliability and print quality.

During check-ins with our customers, we also receive a lot of interest in “automatic bed leveling” – another phrase that can have multiple meanings. We have incorporated an inductive sensor into the Gigabot’s extruder assembly and integrated the necessary software to allow the sensor to quickly map variations in the print bed surface and compensate the z-axis in real time to maintain a uniform nozzle-to-bed distance. This “bed mesh compensation” approach can yield exceptional first-layer results, even on a warped or non-trammed print bed. Our software team is working with the sensor manufacturer to improve the interface and provide a quality user-experience within the Klipper environment. After we finish mesh compensation development on our R&D and internal production printers, we’ll invite the user community to apply to beta test this new feature.

Our user community has also expressed a desire for a 1.75mm diameter filament option for re:3D’s Gigabot printers (where our extruders are designed for 2.85mm diameter filament.) In response, we have designed and are testing a conversion assembly to accommodate the smaller filament. The design has been tested for over 300 hours using a variety of filament materials – including flexible filament. It will soon be released as a kit which can be installed by users in the field.

The GigabotX FGF Platform

Specific to re:3D’s FGF platforms, the engineering team has focused on improving the performance and reliability of the extruder assembly. The standard ⅝” compression screw has remained unchanged, but the active feeding mechanism (i.e., the ‘crammer’) is getting a full overhaul. Feedstock with poor flowability such as coarse or lightweight plastic regrind and some TPU/TPE resin pellets can have difficulty flowing from the hopper to the extruder via gravity. The crammer provides an auxiliary auger to force these materials into the extruder body. The new design allows for higher and more uniform throughput, and increases reliability by using a stainless steel auger and machined components. Photos and design details, as well as a link to apply to be a beta-tester, are posted here on our User Forum.

In conjunction with the new crammer design, we have been testing an “autoloading” system to supply feedstock from a floor-mounted hopper rather than our normal top-mounted hopper. This system uses compressed air to drive an eductor which pulls and pushes the feedstock into the printer’s extruder via flexible tubing. A detection unit is mounted at the extruder which detects when the feedstock needs replenishing and triggers the compressed air to transport additional flake or pellets. The autoloader is currently being tested on a TerabotX which will be delivered in one of our Gigalab projects. It can operate as a stand-alone system or interface with the Archimajor control board and Klipper firmware to automatically pause printing if a feedstock delivery error is detected.

Other efforts underway include designing a more robust coupling mechanism between the extruder motor and the extrusion screw, installing a fourth heating zone to better control the nozzle/die temperature, and a deep-dive investigation into part-cooling for the GigabotX.

Software/Firmware

We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of Klipper Stack v0.5.0. This update represents a significant commitment to enhancing backend operations and ensuring our technology aligns with the latest developments within the Klipper community. Our focus on these upgrades positions us well for the introduction of innovative features in the future.

In pursuit of refining the user experience, we have streamlined the machinery setup process, enabling more rapid and efficient configurations. Enhancements include the introduction of prompt menus for various commands and adjustments to the location and visibility of the emergency stop button to reduce the risk of accidental activation. Furthermore, we have addressed and fixed specific issues such as the omission of certain characters and the disappearance of the virtual keyboard on touch-screen devices after each keystroke, ensuring a smoother and more reliable interaction.

This version also introduces a suite of new features and configuration adjustments. Highlights include the introduction of the ‘exclude objects’ module, which offers the flexibility to remove specific models from multi-model prints directly from the gcode mid-print. The ‘gcode arcs’ module expands movement options beyond the basic G1 move, incorporating G2 and G3 moves for enhanced precision. Furthermore, we have eliminated the homing sequence prior to resuming prints, addressing the issue of potential layer shifts on models.

These enhancements and fixes are part of our ongoing commitment to providing a robust and user-friendly platform, setting a solid foundation for future developments. The update is scheduled to release within a month.

Internal Processes

Internally, the engineering team is implementing processes reflecting re:3D’s ethos of being responsive and transparent to our community. Our engineering change and design processes are maturing to better engage internal and external stakeholders from the beginning of problem identification and requirements definition through operational release and ongoing support. These changes will help focus our resources on those efforts which will have the greatest impact on customer success and map the work against product roadmaps which have been developed to guide the engineering team over the next 12-18 months and beyond. And as an open-source hardware company and proponents of open science, we will be increasing our efforts to share as much of our learnings with the additive community as possible. This includes making our material testing protocols more robust and aligned with industry best practices and hosting an international, monthly FGF Users Group virtual meetup open to anyone interested in printing with pellets or flake.

And More…

Other activities have included improving the printers’ electrical systems and enclosure design. The team also continues to optimize printer software profiles and investigate additional slicing programs available for filament and pellet printing. Finally, additional variants of re:3D’s Gigalab will be presently fielded for evaluations – demonstrating that it is possible to turn waste plastic into usable parts at the point of need through additive manufacturing.

Look for release schedules and more details on all of these engineering initiatives in the coming months. We’ll be sharing via our mailing list, through blog posts and on the re:3D Community Forum.

Stay tuned, and Happy Printing!

Patrick Ferrell

Senior Engineer

re:3D’s HQ is Moving to Austin TX!

re:3D is proud to announce that we bought our own headquarters space in Austin. We will use the space to scale, grow our ability to experiment with Gigalabs in a large outdoor space, and expand our networks in Texas!

The new facility is located in East Austin, known for being a mecca that actively convenes creatives & organizations committed to social impact. This location also allows re:3D to scale locally with University of Texas and Austin Community College initiatives focused on additive manufacturing, while increasing our global presence.

We’re still working out the details, but welcome your feedback at info@re3d.org as we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition.

Below are some FAQs our team has assembled, and will be updated weekly based on your inputs.

You can witness the final move out logistics live on Wednesday May 29th from 10am-7pm. The Houston team would love to high five any visitors as we share memories and plans for the future! More information is located on our Eventbrite here.

re:3D’s new headquarters is located at 1201 Old Bastrop Highway, Austin Texas 78742 (formally the High Sign Brewery). The building can be accessed just off of the frontage road near the 183 and 71 intersection, so if you are looking for something to do before your next flight from the Austin airport, we would love to see you!

Our current Houston headquarters’ and Austin Office lease end May 31, 2024. For this reason we are trying to batch equipment and inventory moves each week to minimize disruptions to our operations. All headquarter operations will be established in Austin beginning June 1 2024.

re:3D has maintained a presence in parallel with Houston since 2013. We are indebted to the Clear Lake community for supporting our founding but are struggling to scale & maintain insurance for manufacturing operations in a hurricane vulnerable area. As Austin offers more opportunities for recruitment, reduced overhead, and active support from local organizations that support our social mission, we decided to move our operations, while still maintaining a footprint in Houston.

Both Charlotte, who is a Co-PI for our NSF Covergence grant, and Patrick who leads our Army Gigalabs grant as well as two NASA awards will remain in Houston. Where they will be working from is yet to be determined, and we welcome your suggestions!

While some of the Houston crew is moving to Austin (so far- Cheyena, Justin, Will, Mitchell, Jordan, and Annabelle), several teammates will be transitioning to their next adventure and welcome suggestions/introductions on where they should be applying!

Orders are being accepted, however there may be delays in for orders placed in May when we transition from Houston to Austin. For this reason, we recommend stocking up on parts prior to April 30th:)

Tours in Houston and Austin can be arranged by emailing discover@re3d.org.

Email info@re3d.org and we will do our best to transparently reply within 24 hours!

A Journey of 3D Printing Innovation & Collaboration with YLAI Fellows

re:3D was first introduced to the US Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) in 2017. YLAI’s vision is to create a vibrant network of entrepreneurs across the Western Hemisphere. A key way this is achieved is through a Fellowship Placement with a business in the United States for four weeks. The Fellowship Placement is an opportunity for YLAI Fellows to experience the U.S. work culture and connect with key players in their industry. The YLAI Fellowship offers hands-on experience in exchange for using their skills and network to contribute to U.S. businesses and organizations. The Fellowship not only provides business insight and network for the Fellows but also provides their placement companies with cross-cultural understanding. Businesses form long-term relationships with their Fellows, extending the Fellowship well past the initial four-week placement.

Since 2017, re:3D has hosted three YLAI Fellows, the most recent being Juliana Martinelli from Brasília, Brazil in May of 2023. Samantha Snabes, re:3D’s Co-Founder and Catalyst and Juliana met over video to ensure that re:3D would be a good match for her fellowship. Juliana’s company, InovaHouse3D, 3D prints with cement and has a mission to print affordable houses in Brazil. Even though re:3D prints with plastic, we also have a social responsibility aspect to our work and admire InovaHouse3D’s goals!

Frame of the Ayla 130, InovaHouse 3D's Cement Printer

Extruder of the Ayla 130, InovaHouse 3D's Cement Printer

Juliana worked on three different projects during her Fellowship. The largest project she undertook was completing a customer outreach campaign to re:3D’s customers who spoke Spanish and Portuguese. Juliana individually contacted forty-four customers in Central and South America. She successfully heard back from twenty-five customers via email and set up in-depth phone calls with them. During these conversations, Juliana learned what each customer used their Gigabot for and the current state of their Gigabot. Juliana provided the customers with re:3D resources and connected them with other members of the re:3D team. re:3D values the relationships with our customers and the outreach Juliana did have a positive impact in connecting with customers we don’t normally get the chance to talk to. Additionally, this outreach campaign connected Juliana with more players in the Additive Manufacturing space in Latin America.

Because of Juliana’s background in Electrical Engineering, she was able to problem-solve grounding issues with Gigabot’s electrical box. This was incredibly helpful as re:3D was building up its engineering team. The final project Juliana worked on was a personal project. She wanted to pitch InoveHouse3D to a few American Investors to get their valuable feedback. Juliana was able to meet with two different Investors and strengthen her InovaHouse3D deck.

By the end of Juliana’s Fellowship, a strong connection had formed between her and the re:3D team. YLAI had let re:3D, and the other businesses hosting fellows, know that there would be an opportunity for an Outbound Exchange program. In this exchange, someone from re:3D would go to Brazil for two weeks and work with Juliana’s company. Jennifer Dennington, re:3D’s Account Manager, applied for the Outbound Exchange Program and was awarded the grant! Jennifer left for the exchange in early January 2024 to amplify the future of Additive Manufacturing in Brazil.

One of the main projects Juliana and Jennifer worked on was creating a storytelling blog post and video on re:3D’s customer Rhodes. Rhodes produces around 5 million components per year to assemble various models of office, school, and training chairs and public seats in airports, theaters, cinemas, and football stadiums. The blog article and video about how Rhodes uses its Gigabot will be published soon, so stay on the lookout for that.

Another project Jennifer and Juliana collaborated on was creating Additive Manufacturing lessons for Brazil. Jennifer’s background is in Special Education, she has a passion for making education fun and accessible to all people. Juliana teaches lessons to schoolchildren at the Planetário de Brasília (Brasília’s Planetarium) and has connections with public schools in Brasília. Before coming to Brazil, Jennifer knew she would share re:3D’s Introduction to Autodesk’s TinkerCAD lesson where Juliana would teach students how to make 3D models on their computers. However, after speaking with Juliana, Jennifer learned that many students do not have access to technology at school. Jennifer shifted gears and decided the first lesson she needed to create was an Introduction to 3D Printing lesson for students with limited to no knowledge of 3D printing and limited access to technology.

Jennifer modeled this lesson after the 5E Model of Instruction where students engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate 3D printing. She only included resources that Juliana had readily available to be used in the lesson. For example, because of Juliana’s partnership with the University of Brasília’s LAB, Juliana could bring 3D printed examples to show the students on top of having the Google Slides presentation. Click here to view and download the Introduction to 3D Printing Google Slides and here to view and download the full lesson plan.

After Jennifer finished the Introduction to 3D Printing lesson, she went back to the Introduction to TinkerCAD lesson because it is a personal favorite of re:3Ds. TinkerCAD is a fantastic resource for teachers because you don’t have to have a 3D printer to do incredible and engaging lessons with your students. Teachers will have students they do not expect to interact with this lesson get really into it and become incredible 3D designers. Not only can students make 3D designs with TinkerCAD, but also they can create circuit boards and learn how to write code, all for free! TinkerCAD puts out challenges each month for students to compete in and educators post lessons they have created on TinkerCAD as well. Click here to view and download the Introduction to TinkerCAD Google Slides and here to view and download the full lesson plan and other additional resources. These lessons can be replicated and customized to fit different cultural contexts, educational settings, and learner demographics, thereby extending the reach and impact of 3D printing education. Jennifer hopes her lessons contribute to building a future workforce equipped with valuable science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) knowledge and competencies, thus promoting innovation and economic development in the long run.

Juliana took Jennifer on a tour of Programando o Futuro, an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling center with a broader mission of providing free technology education to the community. Their hands-on courses in robotics, 3D printing, computer repair, and marketing aim to equip people with tech skills, boasting a 55% job placement rate. With a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, Programando o Futuro engages in extensive plastic recycling, collaborating with companies like HP to transform shredded plastic into new products or filament for their 3D printing lab. Programando o Futuro has repaired and donated over 3,000 computers and aims to recycle 1,100 tons of material this year. They want to partner with Juliana and the University of Brasília to get a spectrometer, which will help them rapidly and accurately identify the types of plastic that are donated. Additionally, Juliana wishes to use her partnership with Programando o Futuro to apply for re:3D’s Gigaprize program or apply for a grant to purchase a GigabotX 2 for their organizations.

A bonus meeting happened with Bryan Murphy, Associate Chief Engineer for the International Space Station (ISS), at Boeing to bring ISS Mini-Mimics to Brazil. The ISS MIMIC is a 1:100 scale articulating model of the International Space Station (ISS) that runs off of live data streaming from the real ISS. re:3D has had the joy of helping the ISS Mimic team by 3D printing solar arrays and participating in the 11 Freeman Library Community Builds of the ISS Mimic. If you would like to learn more about the ISS Mimic, check out this article written by re:3D. Jennifer and Juliana’s meeting with Bryan was successful because they secured three ISS Mini-Mimics for educational institutions in Brasília. The goal is that after Juliana completes the ISS Mini-Mimic with students, she will then apply for grants to fund an ISS Mimic community build at the Planetarium! She is also hoping to get support from Brazil’s only astronaut, Marcos Pontes, who is currently a Senator for São Paulo, in this endeavor. Bringing the ISS Mimic to Brazil has the potential to foster a lasting interest in space exploration and STEAM fields to all who encounter it.

A final fortuitous event happened at the end of Jennifer’s time in Brazil when she was able to meet with the 2024 Class of Brazilian YLAI Fellows. Jennifer was in Brasília at the same time as their orientation for YLAI. Juliana and Jennifer went and spoke about their YLAI experience with the Fellows for an hour and a half. The Fellows Jennifer met were awe-inspiring entrepreneurs. They have built up their business and are incredibly hard workers. When they come to the US they are paired with businesses and are partnered with anyone from the CEO of the company to an Account Manager. YLAI is not only about the Fellows coming in and learning from an American company but also about them sharing their knowledge and passion with the company they are paired with. If you are interested in hosting a YLAI Fellow, please email info@re3d.org, and Jennifer will put you in touch with the proper contacts. re:3D hopes to continue partnering with YLAI for as long as we are around.

Jennifer Dennington

Blog Post Author

3dprinting AdditiveManufacturing ECAGlobalLeaders ExchangeOurWorld gigabot re3D STEM womenin3Dprinting YLAI2023 YLAI2024 YLAIEntrepreneur YLAIFellows YLAINetwork

2023 Gigaprize

Brookwood in Georgetown

And that is a wrap folks! Gigaprize 2023 is in the books, but our winner, Brookwood in Georgetown, is just getting started on their 3D printing journey! Brookwood in Georgetown is excited to use their Gigabot 4 to aid in producing ceramic molds and training for their vocational community that provides meaning work for adults with functional disabilities. Their final products the find their way onto the shelves at their award winning giftshop in Georgetown, TX.

GIGAPRIZE FINALISTS

We had many amazing applicants this year and it was an incredibly tight judging process, with our final 5 contestants (I Want That Leg, Re-Inventa, Sew-Printed, Centro de Aprendizaje Educarte and Brookwood in Georgetown) being separated by less than a point. A huge thank you goes out to our wonderful judges – Khaalid McMillan, Sabine Berendse, Kameco de los Santos, Sonakshi Senthil, Josh Pridmore, Scott Austin Key, Jason Kessler, Sakshi Shah, Dr. Andrea Santos, Ama Fofie, Erik Hausmann, Lillian Ferrell & Lindsay Shwartz for bringing their expertise and industry experience to our judging process.

AMERICA MAKES

As a bonus, our Partner Organization AmericaMakes, will provide America Makes Education and Workforce development portfolio assets and training to the selected organization, meaning Brookwood in Georgetown will be onboarded into the AMNation! To learn more about America Makes, please visit their website at www.americamakes.us!

A MESSAGE FROM BIG, 2023 GIGAPRIZE WINNER:

BiG has a vision of an inclusive, empowering world for adults with special needs. This marks a paradigm shift in the way that society typically views these individuals. We provide training and support for our Citizens to succeed in modified job tasks, allowing them to experience the dignity and satisfaction of accomplishing real work. Winning the Gigabot will allow us to dream and create in new and innovative ways for our Citizens to succeed. From making molds for our clay enterprise to creating adaptive tools for our Citizens to participate in our pie making kitchen—the sky is the limit! We are beyond grateful!

Debbie Guinn from BiG

I am so thankful to have been a part of this journey, and cannot wait to see what amazing things Brookwood in Georgetown will do with our Gigabot! I hope that the runner up will continue to follow re:3D and apply for our next Gigaprize!

Ryan Murray

Blog Post Author

3d printing award Free 3D Printer Gigaprize giveaway

re:3D® kicks off their 2023 Gigaprize Campaign, giving away an industrial 3D Printer to someone committed to uplifting their community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, June 1, 2023 — re:3D, Inc. is pleased to announce the kickoff of their 2023 Gigaprize campaign. For every 100 printers sold, re:3D donates a Gigabot 4* large-format, industrial 3D printer to an individual or organization committed to doing good in their community and/or society. Past Gigaprize winners include, among others, Magic Wheelchair out of Portland, OR, who provides 3D printed Halloween costumes for kids in wheelchairs, and Tunapanda Institute, incorporating region-specific 3D printing educational curriculum and opportunities to serve community needs in Kenya. The application for Gigaprize is live as of June 1st, 2023 via the re:3D website (www.re3d.org/gigaprize). Submissions will be accepted until June 30th, 2023 at 11:59PM CDT. Applicants will need to produce and upload a short 3-minute video explaining how a Gigabot 4* would help in furthering their mission and fill out a short questionnaire. Judging will take place during the first two weeks of July, and the winner will be announced mid-July. To remain impartial, re:3D will bring in external judges with a wide range of experience and expertise. All contestant videos will be uploaded to the official re:3D Youtube channel and a small percentage of the final score will be based on the number of “likes” each video receives.

*Gigabot 4 or equivalent store credit towards another 3D printer.

ABOUT re:3D

re:3D® Inc. consists of a group of explorers committed to decimating the cost & scale barriers to industrial 3D printing. Having pioneered the world’s first and most affordable, human-scale industrial 3D printer, re:3D likewise is creating large scale, affordable 3D printers printing from pellets, regrind, and flake plastic waste. Beyond creating 3D printers for customers in over 50 countries, re:3D offers 3D printing contract services, consulting, design and education services. For more information on re:3D, visit www.re3d.org.

Contact:

Ryan Murray

gigaprize@re3d.org

+1 (512)730-0033

Ryan Murray

Blog Post Author

WHAT IS THE GIGAPRIZE?

WHO ARE OUR JUDGES?

Maria Arteaga

Gus Berga

Luke Ellis

Courtney Gallagher

Joe Laszlo

Jamie Mayes

Madelyn Morgan

Ryan Murray

David Riley

Zane Ross

Pamela Szmara

THE GIGAPRIZE 2023 WINNER

The Power of Large-Scale 3D Printing

Why Printing BIG Matters

Domain Bizarre: Concept to Reality

The Role of re:3D Inc.

Presentation Impact

Conclusion

TerabotX 2

Three Zone Independently Controlled Barrel Heaters

5/8" Extruder Screw with a16:1 L/D Ratio and a0.4,0.8, 1.75 or 3mm nozzle

9 Point Bed Leveling

NEMA 17 & 23 Stepper Motors

0.5" Aluminum Heated Bed with PRINTinZ

Leveling Caster Wheels

Full Color 10" LCD Touchscreen with Mainsail for Klipper interface

Linear Rails on All Axis

7.8 kg Hopper Capable of 24h of Printing Between Refills

32bit ArchiMajor Control Board

Technology

Build Volume

Extruder

Materials

Granule Size

Layer Resolution

Printing Speed

Nozzle Diameter

Design

Construction

Build Plate

Stepper Motor

Bot Control

Connectivity

File Transfer Method

Open Source

Upload File Type

Printing Workflow

Power

Extruder Temperature

Build Surface Temperature

Explore Other FGF 3D Printing Solutions

Have any questions?

Revolucionando a Fabricação de Cadeiras: Uma Jornada com a Rhodes e a Gigabot da re:3D

The Gigabot FFF (Filament) Platform

The GigabotX FGF Platform

Software/Firmware

Internal Processes

And More…

Brookwood in Georgetown

GIGAPRIZE FINALISTS

AMERICA MAKES

A MESSAGE FROM BIG, 2023 GIGAPRIZE WINNER:

ABOUT re:3D

Three Zone Independently
Controlled Barrel Heaters

5/8" Extruder Screw with a
16:1 L/D Ratio and a0.4,
0.8, 1.75 or 3mm nozzle

NEMA 17 & 23
Stepper Motors

0.5" Aluminum Heated
Bed with PRINTinZ

Full Color 10"
LCD Touchscreen
with Mainsail for
Klipper interface

7.8 kg Hopper Capable
of 24h of Printing
Between Refills

32bit ArchiMajor
Control Board