FabLab Policy
Shop Culture
To work in our shop is to truly care for it. When you step into this space, every tool you hold becomes your responsibility for the duration of its use. We kindly ask you to approach the equipment and spaces with respect, kindness, and honesty. Remember, the way we handle and maintain these resources reflects the values we hold dear.
Please make an effort to clean up after yourself, ensuring that the shop remains tidy and organized. Additionally, if you notice someone in need of assistance, lend a helping hand. Our community thrives when we support one another.
It is important to recognize that the shop's greatness is a direct result of the individuals who call it home. Your presence and active participation contribute to its vibrancy and success. We genuinely appreciate your continued support in making our shop a remarkable place.
With that being said, we understand that our policies are a work in progress. They are designed to provide guidance for decision-making during the shop's operation. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these policies and welcome your proposals for any changes or adjustments. Your input is invaluable in shaping the shop's future.
Thank you once again for being a part of our community and for your ongoing dedication. Together, we can create an exceptional environment for all who enter our doors.
General Lab Access
In order to gain access to the FabLab, all students must participate in an orientation to familiarize themselves with the facility. This orientation can be conducted either through their class or on designated open authorization days. The FabLab introduction session will provide a comprehensive overview of the lab's resources and offerings. Faculty members can request specific equipment demonstrations during the lab orientation.
To ensure a smooth process, faculty should plan accordingly and sign up for a class orientation using the link provided below. Students who have not been authorized by the specified date will not be granted access to the lab until the following semester's authorization period.
Faculty: Class Orientation Sign Up Page (15-45 minutes long)
Please note the following additional guidelines for lab access:
All authorizations for the semester will be conducted within the first three weeks of the semester. Failure to complete the authorization process within this timeframe will result in denied lab access.
In addition to the orientation, students are required to complete a quiz that covers the facility's policies and equipment usage guidelines. This quiz may take approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
It is imperative that all students successfully complete the orientation and quiz in order to utilize the lab facilities throughout the semester.
Laser Cutting
Scheduling:
Students can schedule an appointment for laser cutting 1-7 days in advance using the online scheduler in the laser cutting section of the website. Alternatively, students can sign up in-person for same day appointments.
Weekly reservations are capped at 4hrs per week. However students can schedule in-person as many same day appointments as necessary.
No Show Policy:
Students are allowed two warnings for not showing up for their laser cutting appointments. Upon the third violation, a two-week appointment ban will be imposed.
Rescheduling:
Students can reschedule their laser cutting appointments in person, via email, or through their confirmation email up until the time of their appointment.
During the Appointment:
Students must begin their cutting process within 15 minutes of their scheduled time. Failure to do so will result in forfeiting the appointment to the next person. Students should arrive prepared or seek assistance from lab staff in the days preceding their appointment.
Students must complete their laser processes at least 10 minutes before their appointment ends to effectively clean up before the next appointment.
For safety reasons, students should not leave the machine unattended for more than 5 minutes. If they need to step away, they must inform a proctor or lab specialist.
Seeking Assistance:
If students are uncertain about any aspect of using the laser cutting equipment, they should seek assistance from a proctor or lab specialist who is on duty. Alternatively, they can refer to the instructions provided at the machines.
Machine Failure:
In the event of equipment failure that results in the ruination of materials, the lab will not be held responsible for replacing the damaged goods.
3D Printing
How to Use:
Students must submit their 3D print orders through the order submission form available on our website. The process is explained in detail, outlining the necessary steps.
Payment Process:
After an order is completed, the student will receive an invoice. To collect their order, students must present the emailed receipt to a proctor or lab specialist. If a student finds an order unsatisfactory prior to payment, they can contest it with the lab specialist. The lab specialist will then decide whether to cancel the order, reprint it, or request payment. Students may refuse payment but will not be allowed to leave with the order.
Please note that no refunds will be provided for any orders.
Payment Method:
Payment should be made through the portal link provided on the invoice. Only credit or debit cards are accepted; Dragon Dollars are not applicable.
Cost Calculation:
The cost is determined based on the type and quantity of materials used, including shipping fees. Additionally, a small surcharge for machine parts and consumables will be applied.
Print Failure:
In the event of a print failure during the printing process, the lab specialist or a trained student worker will decide whether to cancel the order or reprint it.
File Submission Guidelines:
Every unique 3D Object needs to be exported as its own STL before attaching to the order form. See important file naming conventions below. Failure to follow the instructions can result in a cancelled order and delay in service.
All submitted files must follow the proper file naming convention to ensure organization of received orders. Please note on the submission form additional information is required (ie: a general bounding box of the object). The file naming convention is as follows:
YYYY-MM-DD__LastNameFirstInitial_File## (#ofCopies, Material Choice)
Explanation of the file naming convention:
YYYY-MM-DD: Date in the format YYYY-MM-DD
LastNameFirstInitial: Last name followed by the first initial of the student
File #: Sequential number assigned to the file
(#ofCopies): Number of copies requested, can be represented with ##x. See example below.
Only for the description form: Xmm x Ymm x Zmm: General bounding box dimensions of the file in millimeters
Example of file naming convention:
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File01(3x_PLA)
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File02(14x_TPU)
Example of file description on the order form:
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File01 (3x, PLA) 10mm x 20mm x 15mm
2023-07-06_OiticicaC_File02 (14x, TPU) 30mm x 20mm x 10mm
Following these guidelines will ensure accurate and efficient processing of 3D print orders.