Gigabot 3D printer Archives | re:3D | Life-Sized Affordable 3D Printing

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

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