Frequently Asked Questions

Generously donated by the Singh family, the Sandbox (officially known as the Jagdeep Singh Family Sandbox Makerspace), is a place to be used by undergraduate students to expand their knowledge beyond their academic discipline!

We were previously located in the old Computer Science Instructional Center, but have since relocated.

The Sandbox has gone by several other names, such as: Sandbox Makerspace, Iribe Makerspace, Brenden Iribe Center Makerspace, Singh Sandbox, and more!

We encourage anyone of any major and skill level to stop by and check out this unique space to learn, discover, and create!

Sandbox is led by a faculty Manager, operated by students volunteers and employees, and hosted by the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS).

Additionally, we partner with several other departments across campus, including:

• University of Maryland, Makerspace Initiative (MSI)

• Arts for All

• The College of Arts and Humanities

We welcome all University affiliates, across all disciplines and backgrounds.

One of the most exciting parts of Sandbox is being able to work with people from different fields/backgrounds, coming together and collaborating to try new things!

We are open to the entire UMD community including faculty, staff, graduate students, and of course, undergraduates.

Unfortunately, we are not able to welcome Alumni and College Park neighbors, or any individual not actively affiliated with the University.

Almost anything!

At Sandbox, we aim to provide the resources necessary to create whatever kind of project interests you. We want to be as flexible as possible, so if there’s something missing from the space that you think could benefit our makers, send us an email at sandbox@umd.edu, we'd love to hear your ideas!

Check out our Hours & Location page.

It’s free* while you're learning!

The goal of Sandbox is to put the ability to make things in the hands of every student, so we provide our resources free of cost* while you are learning to use a new tool.

Once you're proficient, and/or if you have a project that would use up most or all of Sandbox’s supply of a consumable material, we ask that you please provide your own (and speak with a manager to make sure what you bring is safe to use in the space).

*within reason, subject to the Manager’s discretion

Sandbox is overseen by a faculty Manager. Additionally, students volunteer and work as Managers. These students have demonstrated a committed interest in using, mentoring in, and maintaining the space.

You don’t have to be a manager to make or learn at Sandbox. Being a manager means you’re committed to actively maintaining and improving the Sandbox space and community. Managers receive swipe access to the space so they can open our doors to the campus community.

Keeping the space open to the University is the main function of managers.

Managers are also encouraged to represent Sandbox and promote the space at various events, other makerspaces, etc.

To become a volunteer manager, a student must: 1) be an active user of Sandbox for at least one month, and 2) have demonstrated an interest in improving the community. Then, they can apply for manager-ship by speaking with the faculty Manager.

After a full semester of volunteer manager-ship, at the faculty Manager's discretion, a student volunteer manager can be offered a paid position at Sandbox.

No! Anyone can work at Sandbox, as long as at least one manager is present.

Sandbox is open whenever at least one manager is present and the door is propped open. Our official hours can be found on our Hours & Location page.

Our official hours can be found on our Hours & Location page. If you stop by, and the door is propped open, you can come inside, swipe in, and get to work. If the door is closed and you see people inside, you are welcome to knock, but we may not be open to the public at that time.

Only managers have swipe access to Sandbox. If you need are looking to visit Sandbox outside of our normal operating hours, email us at sandbox@umd.edu, and we'll try to arrange coverage. However, if you want swipe access, consider applying for a manager-ship.

If Sandbox is closed, you'll need to make arrangements in advance to schedule time outside of our normal operating hours. You can do this by emailing us at sandbox@umd.edu. If you visit outside of our normal operating hours and see people in the space, you are welcome to knock on the door, but we may not be open for public use at that time.

Once you’ve completed all the steps on our Getting Started page, you’ll be able to use any* of our tools.

* Some tools have their own safety trainings, which you can find on our ELMS page. To use a tool with its own module, you must complete that module and score 100% on its quiz.

Ease of use and the cost of the printer.

Ultimaker printers are typically easier to get started with because our trainings are designed for Ultimakers. Once you become a bit more adanved, we encourage you to check out the Creality printers.

Ultimaker printers had a clear edge in print quality, years ago, that gap has largely closed. Modern Creality printers are now similarly capable for almost all 3D prints. 

No!

Tools may not be taken out of the Sandbox. We want to ensure all visitors have access to our shared equipment, so tools must remain in the space.

In limited cases, consumable materials from a completed project may be taken with approval from a manager before you leave. However, you may not remove individual components or unfinished project parts to work elsewhere.

Sandbox is not a free parts catalog.

Removing items from the Sandbox without express permission may be considered theft and may be reported to University authorities, including (but not limited to) UMPD and the Student Honor Council.

Yes! We encourage you to adapt the space to meet the needs of whatever you’re trying to do. Just make sure that what you’re doing doesn’t get in the way of other people trying to use the space. If you’re moving a table, check the underside of the table and make sure any power strips are unplugged.

We have lockers available that you can reserve to store smaller projects. Just ask a manager and we’ll get you set up. We also have a project room where you can store larger projects. However, security cannot be guaranteed.

No!

Sandbox does not have the facilities to handle battery recycling. Please do not bring us your used batteries.

Many retailers, including: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy, offer battery recycling drop-offs; check their websites for accepted types and locations.