I came into my major of mechanical engineering relatively blind to just how wide the applications of what I would learn could stretch. For my first semester, I was really just going around trying out clubs, and eventually found myself a part of the Black Engineer Society. It was through this club that I heard about a certain on campus job which would pay me to aid students and researchers in developing prototypes. I applied to TerrapinWorks, with low expectations as I was just a freshman with only vague previous experience in 3d printing. However, through what I considered to be a miracle, I was able to secure a position for the spring semester of my freshman year. Applying to Terrapin Works has to be one of if not, the best decision I made since I started school here at UMD. At Terrapin Works, I learned, practiced, and taught the fundamentals of 3d manufacturing. I am currently in the midst of my 3rd semester at TW and look forward to spending the rest of my time at UMD working there.
When I entered my first semester at TW as a trainee, I was taught the basics of 3d printing which included how to prepare, also known as slicing, files for use on the printers, how to operate the variety of 3d printers we had, and also the underrated skill of customer service. I got to complete multiple miniature training projects, like designing a hook to undergo a strength test, and printing my very own testudo statue. I spent most of my time moving between our company’s fabrication farm, a room containing 30+ 3d printers, which completed the bulk of our orders, and the Advanced Fabrication Lab, where customers typically came in to ask questions. However, after my time as a trainee, I was promoted to the role of technician, and assigned to another lab located in the Idea Factory, known as the Rapid Prototyping Center. There I began to teach other students how to use not only 3d printers, but laser cutters, in order for them to complete their personal projects. I enjoyed my time at TW so much, I decided to apply to work with them during the summer. This is when I learned the most about my job.
During the summer, our staff was much smaller than throughout the school year. As a result, I had to learn a lot of new things, especially how to repair 3d printers. Luckily, I was surrounded by knowledgeable peers who were able to help me, one of them being my site supervisor Evan Hutzell. I learned how to take apart a 3d printer and properly troubleshoot issues. This greatly improved my problem solving skills and also helped me get an even better grasp on the mechanics of 3d printing. I also got to learn about a special type of 3d printer which I would eventually become the machine specialist for, known as the fuse. The Fuse was unlike a normal plastic 3d printer, it used a laser to sinter together nylon powder into an eventually finished product. We spent most of our time printing test equipment for researchers on campus, but eventually were presented with a gargantuan order for the incoming class of UMD. We needed to print 5000 testudo statues to distribute to incoming students in collaboration with ResLife. In order to do this, we set aside 4 printers to run around the clock, and were eventually able to complete this order well before the deadline. This was really when my newfound printer repairing skills became useful. Overall, the summer was a huge success and I was ready to use this newfound knowledge during the school year. Fast forward to today, and I have recently been promoted to the role of machine specialist for the Fuse, and hope to secure a position as a technical coordinator in the future.
Additive manufacturing, without a doubt, plays a huge role in my major. Knowledge of how a part can be developed can save plenty of resources, time, and even presents solutions for more sustainable practices. Additive manufacturing specifically, is a rapidly developing field which I am sure will help guide us into the future. I am excited to apply what I have learned and will continue to learn in my future career. As for incoming freshmen, my biggest words of advice are to get involved with the community, you never know what you may stumble across. I almost didn’t apply to Terrapin Works because I thought my chances of getting in were too slim. Showing interest alone makes you stand out amongst many students. Be curious and never be discouraged.