Terrapin Works welcomes projects from people outside the University of Maryland, including students and faculty at other schools, companies, and community members.
If you don't have a UMD login, you can't use PaperCut (our online job submission system) directly. Instead, you email us your files, and Terrapin Works staff submit the job for you.
Who this guide is for
- Students, faculty, or staff from other colleges and universities
- Businesses, startups, and independent makers
- Anyone without an active UMD Directory ID
Have a UMD Directory ID? Current UMD students, faculty, staff, and registered university affiliates should submit jobs directly through PaperCut instead. See Get Started.
How it works
- Get your files ready. Export each part as an STL, STEP, or OBJ file. Not sure which machine or material fits your part? Browse our Equipment page or ask us in your request.
- Email your request. Send your files and the details listed below to terrapinworks@umd.edu. This opens a ticket with our team.
- We review your request. A Terrapin Works staff member will check your files, confirm the process and material, and reply with a quote and estimated turnaround time.
- Approve the quote. Reply to the ticket email to approve. No work begins until you do.
- We run your job. Staff submit and monitor your job. You'll get updates by replying on the same email thread.
- Pick up and pay. We'll let you know when your parts are ready for pickup at the Advanced Fabrication Lab.
What to include in your request
- Your name, organization or school, email, and phone number
- The files for each part (one file per part is easiest)
- How many copies of each part you need
- Process and material, if you know them (e.g., FDM in PLA, resin). If you're not sure, tell us what the part is for and we'll recommend one.
- Color or finish preferences
- Your deadline, if you have one
- Billing contact, if different from you
Payment
External customers can pay by:
- Credit or debit card in person at the Advanced Fabrication Lab when you pick up your parts
- Invoice or purchase order, including invoices that can be paid online by credit card
We don't accept cash, and we can't take card payments over the phone. Purchases of goods, such as 3D prints, are subject to Maryland's 6% sales tax. See Pricing & Payment for current rates.
Timing
Turnaround depends on the size of your job and our current queue. We'll include an estimate with your quote. If you have a deadline, tell us in your first email.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my own PaperCut account?
PaperCut is only available to users with a UMD Directory ID. If you work with UMD regularly, your UMD contact may be able to sponsor you as a university affiliate. Otherwise, email us using the process above.
I'm a UMD student. Can I place an order by emailing terrapinworks@umd.edu?
We recommend that UMD students, faculty, and staff submit orders through PaperCut for a more streamlined process. See Get Started for instructions.
Can I track my job?
Yes. All updates about your job are sent on your ticket's email thread, and you can reply there anytime.
Can I make changes after I submit?
Reply to your ticket email as soon as possible. We can usually make changes before the job starts running.
Who do I contact with questions?
Email terrapinworks@umd.edu or call (301) 405-0514.
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