Walk the production floor at re:3D in Austin to see Gigabot large-format printers in action and take home a 2‑ft printed rocket. This hands-on factory tour mixes practical tech demos with the company’s open-source, recycling-forward mission.
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You step through a steel door labeled “Mission Control” and the room changes: a low industrial hum, the tang of heated plastic, and rows of large-format printers quietly extruding layers the size of small furniture. Bright prints stack against concrete walls; a 2‑foot rocket waits on a workbench, its filament ridges visible like ripples in stone. Technicians move between machines with practiced economy — this is manufacturing as demonstration.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; mostly standing and short walks on level concrete floors
Wildlife
History
re:3D started as an open‑source project in Austin, scaling to build Gigabot — one of the first affordable large-format FDM printers — and linking makers with manufacturing capacity.
Conservation
The company emphasizes recycling and converting waste plastics into filament; tours often highlight material recovery experiments and the environmental implications of additive manufacturing.
Reserve your spot on the 3D Printer Factory Tour plus 2 ft Tall Rocket! today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book weekdays for smaller groups
Tours run 9:30 AM–4:00 PM; weekday mornings often have fewer visitors and better access to technicians for Q&A.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Factory floors and assembly areas require closed-toe footwear for safety during demonstrations and when moving around printers.
Bring a camera with macro capability
Photos of layered prints and toolpaths are more interesting up close; ask before shooting in staffed work areas.
Reserve for groups over 15 in advance
The tour can accommodate larger groups but needs prior coordination—email [email protected] to confirm staffing and timing.
Closed‑toe shoes
Protects your feet on the shop floor and meets safety expectations in the factory.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated before and after the tour—Austin can be hot in summer and water stations may be limited.
summer
Compact camera or smartphone
Capture detailed prints and the rocket; macro or zoom helps with intricate layers.
Light jacket or layer
The shop can be cool due to ventilation and fans; a light layer keeps you comfortable during the visit.
winter