Terrapin Works! My Experience and Want I've Learned.
If I were to describe my time at Terrapin Works so far in one word, it'd have to be fulfilling. Not only have I gained a lot of technical experience, but I've also met a lot of really amazing people. Pretty much all of my coworkers have been kind, helpful, and fun. Whenever I ask for advice, whether about work or school (since many of my coworkers are upperclassmen) they're always happy to help. One of the biggest takeaways from my time with Terrapin Works is that nobody starts off being good at things. Most people have a tough time in school, and it's not easy learning how to dismantle equipment worth thousands of dollars. I've learned that it's okay to learn things at my own pace because when I do, I learn how to do them well.
After my first year in college, I felt like I wasn't cut out to be an engineer because I was struggling so much in class. Terrapin Works seemed like such a cool lab, and in my mind I thought that to be able to work there would mean that I'd have to be a "tech wiz" or something. When I was hired, I was so excited because I thought I'd finally be able to pick up some technical skills and catch up with my peers. However, after spending some time in the lab, I've come to realize that it I don't need to "catch up". I just need to keep going. With that realization, I feel as though my goals as a student and as a person have changed. I'm not as focused on being "the best", I care more about being "the best ME". I compare myself less to my peers, and focus on my own goals.
terrapin works! my experience in the lab.
First Fail
Extruder Problems
Printer Pic
This is an image of my first failed print as a Lab Manager. A customer wanted a print that was too large for any of our printers to complete, so I tried to print it in 4 parts that could be assembled later... It didn't go as planned. BUT, me and the other Lab Managers had a good laugh about it and it helped with workplace bonding!
Printer Pic
Extruder Problems
Printer Pic
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This is one of the MakerBot Replicator 5th Gen printers that I deal with most of the time. I had to learn how to level the printing platform during my training.
Extruder Problems
Extruder Problems
Extruder Problems
These are the extruders that would often cause me and the other Lab Managers so much grief! On any given day, there are at least 4 - 5 extruders that need to be repaired, which can take 30 min to an hour depending on the issue. During the 2020 Winter Semester, I learned how to completely dismantle them in order to properly fix whatever was wrong with. Learning how to fix extruders really built my confidence in my technical abilities.
Tank Talk
COVID-19 Respirator Mask
Extruder Problems
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This is the 3D model of a print request that I processed during the winter semester. I thought it'd be good to add because despite being a relatively simple print, it required a lot of supports in order for it to come out properly. It needed so many supports that I had to use a special program called Mesh-mixer, that would allow me to make custom supports that could do the job, were easy to remove, and didn't waste a lot of filament.
Kitsune Test Print
COVID-19 Respirator Mask
COVID-19 Respirator Mask
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This is the 3D model of my very first test print. While in training, all Lab Managers are required to either make or find an STL file (a 3D image that is used for printing on MakerBots) and modify it so that it can be printed properly on our machines. This was the first time I worked on a print on my own, and was kind of like an ice-breaker for me.
COVID-19 Respirator Mask
COVID-19 Respirator Mask
COVID-19 Respirator Mask
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This is one of the respirator masks that Terrapin Works have been making to help medical staff and out first-responders. Sadly, I wasn't able to help with the creation of these masks since all student employees were sent home, but I just love how 3D printing can be applied to so many different professions! And the fact that my job is doing it's park to help keep people safe makes be proud to be a Terp.