Using the FLab:Fabrication Laboratory

THE FLab SPACE AND EQUIPMENT ARE AVAILABLE ONLY TO ENROLLED ART + DESIGN STUDENTS.

You are required to present your RED ID Card each time you want to use the FLab Equipment.

Your university student account will be charged for resources and materials used in the lab.

Access is on a “first to come is first to be served” basis. It is sometimes difficult to gauge how long each project will take to complete, so plan your projects well in advance. Software to create files for cutting or printing in the FLab are available in the computer labs. Guides and templates are available through links on the FLab’s website.

FLab equipment are operated via consultation with a FLab Assistant. The FLab Assistant will setup and execute your project on the equipment.

Only the student who is currently consulting with the lab assistant is allowed to enter the equipment area beyond the help desk.

The lab assistant can only help one person at a time. When many students want to use the lab at the same time, they are required to remain outside of room 415. Students will not be allowed in the machine working area (called out by floor tape) until it is their turn for a consultation.

Users will not be allowed to sit at the FLab workstations to make time-consuming changes – allowing minor adjustments will be at the discretion of the assistant.

Students are required to act as the “safety” observer for the duration of any cutting task (CNC Router, Laser Cutter, CNC Mills) to allow the assistant to be available for consultation and other tasks. You cannot drop off files and materials and leave the lab – you will be required to remain with your project for the entire time it takes to execute.

Use a USB key or other external media for transporting data from your workstation to the FLab Equipement Computers. On FLab Equipement Computers YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LOG INTO PERSONAL SERVER DIRECTORIES OR EMAIL ACCOUNTS to download files for use in the lab.

Activities within the labs and use of Art+Design resources are RESTRICTED TO EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS AND CLASS WORK ONLY!!!

Only approved materials can be cut on the FLab equipment. Plastics must have original identifying label. Materials should be properly sized when you bring it to the FLab. The lab assistant will determine whether or not a material and method is appropriate to be tried. If you want to try something not on the approved list: first, you must consult with staff, supply material and allow the material to be tested.

During times when resources are in high demand (to accommodate as many people as possible), it may become necessary to group requests together before printing or cutting.
Lab assistants cannot extend open hours. If the assistant thinks your project will take longer than the open hours remaining that day, you may be required to return at a later date.

The School of Art+Design cannot be held responsible for lost time or the unavailability of malfunctioning equipment or services.

Use of the FLab is solely at the user’s risk. Failed results cannot be reimbursed in any manner, including but not limited to: time charges, variances in material causing unexpected results or user supplied material is ruined because of an improper setup or execution by the lab assistant. This means that when using lab equipment, the School will not replace or reimburse you for a failed cutting session or an improperly modeled print that fails.

The lab assistant will place materials and prints into equipment (like laser bed or print bath). Please ask for permission before using any lab equipment, tools or tables.

There is no storage area available for materials or projects. Completed 3d prints or items remaining in the lab will be stored in the FLab for two weeks. 3D print jobs that are not picked up within two weeks of completion will be discarded.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the FLab at any time by anyone with the exception of covered drink containers on the large worktables.

Cell phones should not be used in the labs, please turn off ringtones and take all your calls outside of the laboratory to avoid disturbing others.

Activities within the Art+Design Building are monitored for your security and safety. FLab assistant is to be obeyed at all times.

Lab personnel will answer your technical questions to the best of his or her ability or may refer you to your instructor, a staff member or other informational resources, but the School of Art+Design, staff and assistants cannot be held responsible for the consequences or the outcome of suggested solutions to questions or problems.

If you encounter a problem, have other concerns or special needs, please consult first with your instructor or a lab assistant for possible solutions.

Failure to comply with any policy may result in the loss of your privileges.