In March 2023, re:3D delivered the equipment for its first Gigalab to Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The lab was installed at Engine 4, a space that began as a co-working hub and is growing into a full research lab. Housed in a retrofitted shipping container, the manufacturing lab is equipped to process plastic waste and transform it into functional goods using a Gigabot X2 industrial 3D printer.
When the Gigalab launched, Michael C. Pujols Vázquez was a natural fit to join the team full time. An industrial designer based in Bayamón, Michael brings a strong hands-on approach shaped by experimentation and community centered design.
The work at the Gigalab reflects a shared team ethos at re:3D: We are a TEAM that works hard with a COMMUNITY to produce QUALITY lifetime solutions to EMPOWER ANYONE anywhere anytime in an OPEN way.
This Gigalab is funded by the National Science Foundation, with matching support from the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, and operates through partnerships with the City of Bayamón and the Engine 4 Foundation.
Since its launch, Michael has worked on a wide range of projects that push the boundaries of large-format, recycled-material 3D printing:
A Lumina Astra lampshade, designed specifically for the Engine 4 interior.
A full-scale 3D printed chair, which required multiple attempts due to power outages totaling 68 hours of printing and 30 pounds of material. The final piece was stress-tested until failure, which led to plans for more detailed analysis in the future.
A Flowform stool, printed to explore the printer’s bridging capabilities.
A kite frame, currently still in progress.
One of the most meaningful projects involved designing a rotationplasty prosthetic cover for Emily, a young girl with osteosarcoma. Built to be durable enough for running, the cover was finished with automotive paint to help Emily build a personal connection to it. Her father wanted something Emily could wear with confidence, something that felt like hers. Later, similar covers were made for two of her friends.
Michael also collaborated on a disaster-response drone attachment at the request of the Mayor of Bayamón. The printed component allows a drone to carry and drop care packages, and it was demonstrated during an earthquake simulation to explore how additive manufacturing can support emergency response efforts.
Michael's Gigalab in Puerto Rico
Michael has also visited our Austin Gigalab, supporting our installation with practical layout recommendations and design contributions that helped shape the functionality and flow of the space.
Together, these projects highlight what the Gigalab is all about: experimentation, community impact, and open-source manufacturing that turns recycled materials into real-world solutions.
