Spirograph
dFab Lab

dFab Policies

  • General Lab Policy

    The following applies to ALL approved dFAB Users using dFAB facilities; Offices, Computer Room, Material Store Room, Vacuum Press/Panelsaw Room, Laser Room, CNC Room, Vacuum Former Room, 3D Printer Rooms, and corridors. All users are trained on correct Operating Procedure and Policies at the time of instruction. Digital equipment and work-flows can be efficient and beneficial toward ALL user end-goals, so long as all users abide by the following policies. Users are expected to operate and stay up-to-date with all dFAB policy & procedural requirements. Any indication of neglect and/or misunderstanding of dFAB Policy & Procedure will result in: Infractions, Suspensions, Fines, or Fees.

    a. INVENTORY: Material is available for purchase during normal operating hours, from dFAB Personnel. All purchased materials are billed to student accounts or string accounts. Price lists are available, but change often. For an Account Total/Status, please contact dFAB Administration via e-mail. Specific material orders can be accommodated, so long as they are discussed with dFAB Administration well in advance of the needed start date. The Material Store Room is off-limits during non-operational hours.

    b. FOOD: Food is only allowed in the corridor areas of dFAB. Do not set food containers on any equipment. Open drink containers are not permitted in the dFAB (i.e. Fountain Drink cups, coffee mugs, etc.). Users are permitted to bring closed drink containers, but may NOT set them on any table or equipment. They are to be placed on the floor. You are responsible for any trash leftover from your meal/drink. You will be charged for leftover food, drinks, containers, or any other items food related.

    c. STORAGE: dFAB has limited storage space available for any user seeking to store a project. Users are permitted to store any material, or projects for the duration of (3) days. Users must fill out a ‘Material Storage’ form and have it signed by a Monitor. After which, the user may store the project in the corridor adjacent to the Material Store Room. If stored in any other Area, or beyond the allotted (3) day storage period, dFAB reserves the right to scrap stored projects or materials. Store at your own risk!

    d. TRASH: Any left material, projects, or scraps over 2’ in length, are grounds for a material removal fee of $25-$100, based on weight. There are trash cans available for smaller scraps in dFAB. If the scraps, projects, or materials do not fit in a trash can, the owner is responsible for taking it to the dumpster. Users may request the use of a larger rolling trashcan for larger scraps. The rolling trashcan must be emptied in the dumpster and returned before the user’s equipment reservation has ended. The dumpster is located beyond the outside stairs of the dFAB along the back wall of MMCH, past the Pre-School parking lot. Users are responsible for cleaning any debris that collects on equipment and/or in the facilities. Failure to comply will result in Equipment or Facility Suspension.

    e. 3DPRINT: 3D-Print Submission is limited to normal operating hours. Users are required to prepare 3D-Print files and complete a 3D-Print Form before being entered into the queue. Prints are completed on a first come first served basis. The 3D Printing Rooms are off limits to all non-dFAB personnel.

    f. MONITORS: dFAB trains student employee Monitors on several administrative tasks and procedures. These employees receive safety instruction and are skilled within the realm of digital equipment use, file preparation, and work flow. This dFAB staff acts as the monitoring force in dFAB when administrators are unavailable. dFAB Monitors are available for file preparation and equipment assistance. Seek out a Monitor with any questions or concerns you may have.

    g. REPAIR: Equipment failures and breakages are diagnosed and repaired by dFAB Administration, between the hours of 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. Student Monitors are not responsible for equipment repairs. Upon equipment malfunction, all equipment reservations are considered ‘Cancelled’ until further notice.

    h. EMERGENCY: In case of any Emergency, notify dFAB Personnel immediately and the proper authorities.

    i. ACCESS: Before using equipment, All users must complete training within a dFAB affiliated course. For a list of available courses, please contact the dFAB Administration.

    j. WEBSITE: The dFAB website acts as the public forum for all dFAB related updates, resources, and information. Important updates are made available on the dFAB website.

    k. ROOMS: All rooms housing dFAB equipment are bound by their own specific Policy and Procedure. Information can be found on the dFAB Website and posted within the room. Any area, room, or space that is under key and lock, is considered OFF-LIMITS to non-dFAB personnel.

    l. HOURS: dFAB utilizes an appointment scheduling system as a publicly available calendar and reservation system. This system allows approved users to schedule appointments for equipment use and office appointments for dFAB consulting. The dFAB Reservation System also posts Hours of Operation. Before visiting the lab, please visit the dFAB reservation system, and make sure the lab is open.

    Reservation Systems Policy

    The following list applies to all approved dFAB users using the dFAB reservation system for equipment and office hour and appointments. All users are trained on correct operating procedure and policies at the time of instruction.

    a. LOGIN INFORMATION: Login ID’s and passwords are created for every user that has participated in a course or training that uses equipment within the dFAB facilities. By using this reservation system, you agree to the policies, procedures, & penalties.

    b. TIME RESTRICTIONS: Once a user is permitted to log into the Online Reservation System, they may reserve time on a half-hour basis. Each piece of equipment has a max number of hours available for reserving time. Each user is limited to these hourly constraints. Additional time allowances are made for users participating in a course that requires heavy use of dFAB equipment.

    c. APPOINTMENTS: Reservations and/or appointments must be titled with your Andrew ID. If the reservation is for a group project, please list the additional Andrew ID’s of the other users within your group in the Description Area of your Reservation. Failure to comply may result in a ‘No-Show’ Infraction.

    d. DAILY RESTRICTIONS: Reservations and/or appointments may be created up to (5) days in advance.

    e. LIMITS: All students are limited to (3) equipment specific reservations per week.

    f. FILE PREPARATION: Reservations are for equipment use only. File preparation should be complete before your reservation begins.

    g. INFRACTIONS: If you are found in violation of Reservation System Policy, you will be credited with an ‘Infraction.' Your ‘Infraction Total’ is recorded and reported daily during the semester.

    h. INFRACTION TOTAL: All Equipment enforces a Three (3) Infraction Limit. Each Infraction, equates to Five (5) Open Lab Days of Suspended Equipment and Reservation System Privileges.

    Infractions

    1. LATE CANCELLATION: If you fail to cancel your reservation, prior to the reservation starting, you will receive (0.5) Infraction(s).

    2. FILE PREPARATION: If you utilize your Equipment Reservation Time for more than 30 minutes of File Preparation, during which the Equipment is not running; you will receive (0.5) Infraction(s). Additionally, your time may be forfeited by dFab Administration to ANY USER ready to use the equipment.

    3. LATE ARRIVAL: If you are 15-30 minutes late for your Equipment Reservation, you will receive (0.5) Infraction(s). Additionally, after 15 minutes has passed, your time may be forfeited and reserved by a separate user.

    4. NO SHOW: If you do not show up for your reservation, and fail to cancel your time; you will receive (1) Infraction(s). dFab Administration will attempt to cancel your reservation 30-60 minutes within your ‘NO-SHOW’.

    5. EQUIPMENT INSUFFICIENCY: If you leave Equipment in a state that prevents the next user from properly utilizing the Equipment; you will receive (0.75) Infraction(s). Additionally, you may receive a ‘dFab Administration : Clean-Up’ Fee.

    6. EQUIPMENT MISUSE: If you improperly use Equipment in a manner that endangers yourself or other users; your actions will be reviewed by the Lab Manager & Director. After review, your privileges can be revoked, or you may receive multiple Infractions.

    7. SUSPENSION: If your Equipment privileges have been revoked for any reason, and you attempt to use the restricted Equipment; your actions will be reviewed by the Lab Manager & Director. After review, your privileges can be permanently revoked, or you may receive a longer restricted access period away from the Equipment.

    Full-time Faculty Research in dFab

    Note: Student and course work take priority during the Fall and Spring semesters.

    To request dFAB access for full-time faculty research, please provide a brief description of your research project including a schedule, string billing code(s), the equipment likely needed, and a list of the individuals that you plan to have working in dFAB on the project. Your proposal will be reviewed by the dFAB Administration in consultation with the SoA Department Head, as necessary.

    To help facilitate your request, we recommend submitting your proposal at least one month before your intended start date. To help expedite the process, please use our Full-time Faculty Research Request Form available here: dFAB_FFRRF

    Full-time faculty that plan to use dFAB resources as part of their research need to be qualified to use the equipment and/or be able to hire research assistants that are pre-qualified to work in dFAB. It is the responsibility of the faculty member to locate and employ qualified individuals who work with lab equipment on the project. Sufficient levels of training and affiliation with the SoA as a student, faculty member, or research staff are required in advance of the research start date. A one-week long dFAB training course for faculty is available during certain times of the year. Please contact dFAB Administration for the next available training time. The syllabus for the course is available here: SoA dFAB Lab Certification Training for Faculty

    While there are no costs associated with the use of the dFAB equipment by full-time faculty, a string billing code is required in advance for all 3D printing materials, store purchases, and equipment damage due to improper use or neglect of the machines.

    Hours of access are limited to regular lab hours, dFAB staff will provide monitoring of the lab, but all operational support of the project is the responsibility of the faculty and/or their assistants.

    Some resources will be unavailable at times when preventative maintenance is performed.  During this time, access to resources is closed. Notice will be given well in advance, whenever possible.

    In preparation for new school years, all summer projects must vacate the lab and associated spaces two weeks before the start of the Fall semester. This includes removing all remaining materials and cleaning any spaces occupied during this time.

  • ACCESS: 3D printing equipment requires 3D modeling experience and technical knowledge. Although authorized users are not required to complete training before use, tutorials are available and highly recommended. dFAB personnel do not provide in-depth 3D printing assistance outside of courses.

    PREPARATION: 3D print files must be prepared correctly and submitted with a completed dFAB_3Dprinting_01dec2018 file naming convention. Users are charged for all successful print jobs and as well as unsuccessful print jobs caused by user error during file preparation. dFAB personnel will not make edits to submitted files.

    TOLERANCE: All 3D models should meet the minimum wall thickness requirement. dFAB will not charge users for broken 3D prints that meet these minimum requirements. If the model’s minimum wall thickness is less than the minimum, the user will be charged the full price for the 3D print even if the 3D print is unsuccessful.

    QUEUE: Printing operates on a "first come, first served" basis. Files that have been incorrectly submitted or insufficiently prepared are removed from the queue. Equipment failures and malfunctions are addressed on weekdays between the hours of 10:00am-5:00pm. In the event of equipment failure, the printing queue will resume as normal once the equipment resumes functional status.

    COST: Cost varies by machine. Please see information about equipment for more information.

    COMPLETION: 3D prints require post-processing that may take up to hours or days to complete.

    3D PRINTING AREA: Only dFAB staff are allowed in the 3D printing area of the lab.

    LEAD TIME: During most times of the semester, please allow a minimum of three (3) days from the time of submission for your print to be completed. Allow a minimum of seven (7) days during end-of-term reviews.

  • 1. ABB IRB-4400 & IRB-6640: Robotic Cell

    ACCESSIBILITY: To utilize the industrial robots safely and successfully, users require experience, extensive training, and constant monitoring/attention. The course Introduction to Architectural Robotics serves as the portal course for the industrial robotics lab. Students that are interested in pursuing coursework and/or research related to industrial robotics in architecture must successfully complete the Introduction to Architectural Robotics course. Additionally, students that wish to pursue a research project that involves the use of the industrial robots must submit a written proposal to dFAB Administration 90 days prior to the commencement of their project.

    This proposal MUST clearly state the following:

    • Description of the project and its desired results

    • Why you seek to utilize industrial robots in your work

    • What affordances robotics provide that cannot be done through other means

    • Your exposure to industrial robotics (coursework, research assistantships, etc.) to date

    • Which faculty are advising and supporting your work

    • How is the project positioned within and relevant to architecture

    • What is the workflow, both software and hardware

    • What are the anticipated tooling and fixture needs

    • What is the duration of the project; include a weekly schedule, anticipated number of hours, and completion date

    Upon review of these proposals, a dFAB administrator will schedule a meeting with the student(s) to discuss the project and viability for moving forward. Upon successful review of the proposal, students will be approved to use the robot lab to conduct their project.

    Students that have received approval to use the robot lab must abide by all policies stated below. Access to conduct independent work is restricted to open and available robot hours as indicated on the dFAB reservation system. The dFAB Lab abides by the CMU "buddy up" work policy to ensure that students do not conduct robot related work alone. Under no circumstances will students pursuing independent projects be given keys or card access to the robot lab. 

    • CLEAN UP: All mess, debris, and scrap must be cleaned. Stock, tools, and material shall be returned to original state when done.

    • ROOM ACCESS: All entry into room must remain closed and locked except during project execution or preparation.

    • TOOLS: All hand tools tagged with blue spray paint and hosted in the robotics lab never leave the room.

    • DESKS: White tables are for computer/clean work ONLY.

    • STORAGE: Project/material storage must be labeled. A three (3) day storage limit is in effect unless other arrangements have been made.

    • DOCUMENTATION: All robotic research should be documented and stored within the dFAB server located at: dFABSERVER1/DropBox – Robotics

    • APPOINTMENTS: Equipment reservations allow for preparation, testing, research, computer use, operation, and robotic-related workflows. Users must be mindful of limited time and shared space issues.

    • OPERATION: When necessary, all other users must retreat to a safe work-zone and/or leave the space if deemed necessary by the operational status. All users must yield to the reservation/appointment owner.
       

    2. ABB IRB-4400 & IRB-6640: Work-Zones

    • ALL WORK-ZONES: Work zones are provided for various robotic workflows. With advance notification and permission, users may alter position and affix custom jigs, tools, or objects to the robotic lab mounting surfaces. Users are expected to breakdown, clean, and return work zones to their original state. Altered work zones are subject to change and movement throughout the semester.

    • 3D ENVIRONMENT: Users are responsible for ensuring proper development and setup of 3D environmental requirements for successful RAPID code generation/simulation.

    • ROLLING VACUUM TABLE: The rolling vacuum table is for robotic workflows ONLY. Vacuum table utilization must be discussed in advance and prior to the reservation/appointment. With approval, past and/or current projects, set-ups, jigs, etc. will be removed for reserved user appointments.

    • STEEL TABLE: The steel table is for robotic workflows ONLY. Steel table utilization must be discussed in advance and prior to the reservation/appointment. With approval, past and/or current projects, set-ups, jigs, etc. will be removed for reserved user appointments.

    • WALL-MOUNTS: Wall-mount jigs are for robotic workflows ONLY. Wall mount jig utilization must be discussed in advance and prior to the reservation/appointment. With approval, past and/or current projects, set-ups, jigs, etc. will be removed for reserved user appointments.

    • ROTARY TABLE: The rotary vacuum table is for robotic workflows ONLY. Wall mount jig utilization must be discussed in advance and prior to the reservation/appointment. With approval, past and/or current projects, set-ups, jigs, etc. will be removed for reserved user appointments.

    • DESKS: White desks are for computer/clean work ONLY.

    • WORK TABLE: Work tables are positioned throughout the lab for fabrication related workflow. Work table usage must be approved beforehand. Users must label their work and clean-up afterward.
       

    3. ABB IRB-4400 & IRB-6640: Manipulators, External Devices, Controllers & TeachPendants

    • DO NOT:

      • Push ANY buttons on the robot

      • Unplug ANY connections on the robot or ATI robot-side interface

      • Climb or physically engage robot

      • Place non-toolside objects on the robot

      • Store/place objects on the track

    • CONTROLLERS:

      • Should remain ON

      • Cases are not to be opened by the user

    • TOOL PLATES:

      • All ATI tool plates are to be dismounted and returned to default configuration (user custom tools removed)

    • TEACH PENDANT (TP):

      • TP is to be treated with GREAT CARE. The user is subject to fines and/or fees related to TP misuse

      • TP menu user access is restricted to the following:

        • HotEdit, I/O’s, Jogging, Program Editor, Program Data, Production Window

        • User modules should be uploaded to the USER MODULES folder

        • System modules and other core files are not to be altered nor delete
           

    4. ABB IRB-4400 & IRB-6640: Operation

    • UNIVERSAL:

      • All operations will be simulated prior to execution

      • All users will be aware of non-simulated variables, dress pack, work surface, etc.

      • Space will be cleared of debris and extraneous material, taking into account all moving parts of the manipulator and not just the TCP

      • Operator will be sober, awake, and attentive at all times of operation

      • Operator may be accompanied by other users, teammates, and robotic authorized personnel

      • Robot will not physically engage living organisms

    • MANUAL MODE:

      • Users will remain clear of working perimeter

      • Operator may be accompanied by other users and robotic authorized personnel

      • Operator will hold TP properly while the motor is on

      • Users should not interfere with environment while motor is on

    • AUTO MODE:

      • All non-essential personnel are to leave the area

      • All essential personnel are to be on the SAFE side of the light curtain with required safety equipment

      • Speed will not be permitted to exceed 2000mm/s at any time for any operation

    • TOOLING: When using Dangerous Tooling Attachments (i.e. Spindle, WireSaw, Plasma, etc.)

      • All non-essential personnel are to leave the room entirely

      • All essential personnel are to be on the SAFE side of the light curtain with required safety equipment

      • Operator will be accompanied by at least one authorized user

      • Stock is to be properly secured

      • Work with particular tools will only occur in designated work zones

    • TOOLING: When using Less Dangerous Tooling Attachments (i.e. Gripper, Hot-Wire, Sensory Apparatus, etc.)

      • Follow protocol for mode of operation

    • SPECIAL CASES: Live Command, Indeterminate Operation

      • Modules that may produce non-simulative motion variability are to only be executed under direct supervision by an administrator or advanced user. Auto-Mode rules apply. Active tooling with indeterminate operation should be executed with extreme caution and supervision, and should be preceded with rigorous testing and simulation.

  • a. ACCESSIBILITY: To utilize the laser equipment safely and successfully, users require experience, extensive training, and constant monitoring/attention. Students are approved to use equipment only after attending a dFAB certified course and/or training session. Approved users must abide by reservation, facility and equipment policy, and procedures to ensure a safe and successful working environment.

    b. SAFETY: Improper equipment use that poses a threat to the user or others will be grounds for equipment and/or facility suspension. Users must remain AWAKE and ATTENTIVE in laser equipment room during equipment use and reservation time. Instances involving equipment fires should be reported to a dFAB staff member within twenty (20) seconds.

    c. PROCEDURE: The laser equipment involves several procedural steps that should be completed before and after all operations. dFAB staff are available for assistance. Should a user destroy, ruin, or damage any equipment accessories due to improper completion or in-completion of correct equipment procedure, the user and employee on duty will be fined 25% of the full cost to fix the equipment.

    d. CLEANING: Users are required to clean up any leftover tape, dust, debris, and scrap left in the laser room. Small vacuums are provided. Plan on 5-10 minutes to complete all clean-up tasks at the end of each job. If the room and/or equipment is not sufficiently cleaned, the student is subject to a cleaning fee.

    e. FASTENING: Material that does not sit PLANAR/LEVEL within the laser equipment due to non-planar surfaces, warping, or bowing will be removed from the work area and disallowed from laser output. Common problematic materials typically include plywood (CDX Grade), low-grade birch, OSB, carboard, chipboard, etc. Materials that have minimal warping that can be corrected with masking tape are allowable. All other fastening methods are considered unacceptable, including duct tape, double-sided tape, etc. Fastening methods that directly relate to the damage, destruction, or impairment of laser equipment will result in FULL reimbursement from the user.

    f. MATERIALS: Certain materials cannot be processed on the laser equipment. These materials include, but are not limited to: glass mirrors (see manager for mirrored acrylics), metals, lexan plastics, foam core, P.E.T.G., styrene, PVC or PVC-based materials (any materials containing chlorine). Fabric materials MUST be cut to size before laser cutting (max = 36″ x 24″). Materials greater than or equal to 3/8″ (9.5mm) in thickness are unacceptable. If you have a question about any material that you would like to cut, please ask dFAB staff.

    g. APPROVAL: Equipment is for research and learning purposes ONLY. File preparation and equipment use MUST be course-related. Instances involving, but not limited to crafts, gifts, "buggy" builds, non/minimal design-related competitions, carnival projects, etc. are NOT approved and will immediately be removed from the laser work area.

    h. PREPARE: Arrive ON TIME with your file prepared, or else you will receive an infraction. You are responsible for any tools or materials required for your job.

  • a. ACCESSIBILITY: To utilize the CNC Equipment Safely and Successfully; Users require experience, extensive training, and constant monitoring/attention. Students are approved to use equipment, after attending a dFAB Certified Course and/or Training Session. Approved Users must abide by Reservation, Facility & Equipment Policy and Procedure to ensure a safe, and successful working environment.

    b. SAFETY:  Improper Equipment use, posing a threat to the User, or others; will be grounds for Equipment and/or Facility Suspension. (i.e. recreation, not following proper procedure or instruction, ruining equipment)

    c. EYEWEAR: Safety Eye wear is required when the User is in the CNC Room, while Equipment is in motion. If you are repeatedly disobedient, your time on the CNC Equipment will be forfeited. (Safety Eye-Wear is provided)

    d. MASKS: When cleaning the CNC Equipment and Area, Users are required to wear proper Breathing Protection/Masks. If you are repeatedly disobedient, your time on the CNC Equipment will be forfeited. (Breathing Masks are provided)

    e. EAR: Ear Protection is provided and recommended while utilizing this Equipment. This protective measure is optional.

    f. DRESS: Closed Toe Shoes are required when using this Equipment (NO high-heels flip- flops, etc.). Scarves, and other ‘loose’ Clothing Accessories are disallowed. It is recommended that Users tie back long hair; and ‘roll-up’ Long Sleeves.

    g. MILLING BITS: If you require the use of a Milling Tool, normally not included in the default library; you may request a Special Bit from a Monitor, or Manager. dFAB Staff will remove, and replace the bit for you. If you require a bit not typically provided for student use; you may request/purchase a bit from dFAB Management.

    h. PROCEDURE: The CNC Equipment involves several Procedural Steps that should be completed before, and after all operations. dFAB Staff is available for assistance. Should a User destroy, ruin, or damage any equipment accessories, (i.e. bit breakage, damaged Spoilboard etc,) due to improper completion or in-completion of correct CNC Procedure; the User and Employee on duty will be fined 25% of the Full Cost to fix the Equipment.

    i. CLEANING: You are required to clean up any dust, debris and scrap left in the CNC Room. There are several Brooms/Brushes for sweeping, and a Large Dust Collection System for Vacuuming. All Large Scraps should be disposed of, in the Dumpster behind MMCH. Plan on 15-20 minutes to complete all clean-up tasks at the end of each job. If the room and/or equipment is not sufficiently cleaned, the student(s) is subject to a Cleaning Fee.

    j. ASSISTANCE: Be sure to have a Partner readily available, if you require assistance with the transportation, removal, or movement of Material. dFAB Staff Members are available to assist with File Preparation and various related Computing Tasks- they are not required to assist you with heavy lifting and clean-up tasks.

    k. FASTENING: Material that does not hold on the Vacuum Table, due to non-planar surfaces, warping or bowing; will be removed from the Work-Area and disallowed from CNC Processing. Common problematic materials typically include Plywood: CDX Grade, Low Grade Birch, OSB. Add’l methods for fastening Materials to the CNC Work Table that WILL NOT damage, destroy, degrade, or impair the Vacuum Table- are allowable. Fastening Methods that directly relate to the damage, destruction, or impairment of CNC Equipment will result in FULL reimbursement from the User (i.e. Milling Tool Chipping/Breaking, Dust-Boot Damage etc.).

    l. MATERIALS: Approved Materials include: Plastics, Lumber, Foam, and Aluminum. Disallowed Materials include, but are NOT limited to: Homasote, Drywall, Steel (Ferrous Metals) See dFAB Management with any questions or concerns regarding material selection. Users planning on Milling Aluminum or Hard Plastics MUST speak with Management.

    m. APPROVAL: Equipment is for Research and Learning Purposes ONLY. File Preparation, Equipment Use, and Completed Parts MUST be Course Related. Instances involving, but not limited to: Crafts, Gifts, ‘Buggy’ Builds, Non/Minimal Design Related Competitions, Carnival Projects etc.; are NOT approved and will immediately be removed from the CNC Work-Area.

  • a. ACCESSIBILITY: To utilize the Vacuum Forming Equipment Safely and Successfully; Users require experience, extensive training, and constant monitoring/attention. Students are approved to use equipment, after attending a dFAB Certified Course and/or Training Session. Approved Users must abide by Reservation, Facility & Equipment Policy and Procedure to ensure a safe, and successful working environment.

    b. SAFETY: Improper Equipment use, posing a threat to the User, or others; will be grounds for Equipment and/or Facility Suspension. Users must remain AWAKE and ATTENTIVE in the Vacuum Forming Area during Equipment Use and Reservation Time. Instances involving Equipment Fires should be reported to a dFAB Staff Member within (20) Seconds.

    c. PROCEDURE: The Vacuum Forming Equipment involves several Procedural Steps that should be completed before, and after all operations. dFAB Staff is available for assistance. Should a User destroy, ruin, or damage any equipment accessories, due to improper completion or in-completion of correct Equipment Procedure; the User and Employee on duty will be fined 25% of the Full Cost to fix the Equipment.

    d. CLEANING: You are required to clean up any leftover dust, debris and scrap left in the Vacuum Forming Area. Plan on 5-10 minutes to complete all clean-up tasks at the end of each job. If the room and/or equipment is not sufficiently cleaned, the student is subject to a Cleaning Fee.

    e. FASTENING:  All Fastening Methods are considered unnecessary and unacceptable: Duct-Tape, Double-Sided Tape, Glue and/or Screws etc. Fastening Methods that directly relate to the damage, destruction, or impairment of Equipment will result in FULL reimbursement from the User.

    f. MATERIALS: Nearly ALL Plastics are approved for use with the Vacuum Forming Equipment. PVC or PVC Based materials (Any materials containing Chlorine) are banned from Equipment Processing. All other Materials are considered N/A. Recommended Materials include Low-Temperature Thermo-Plastics such as: Acrylic, Lexan Plastics, P.E.T.G., Styrene, PolyCarbonate and other Thin Sheet, Non-Toxic Plastics. If you have a question about any material that you would like to Form, please ASK!

    g. MOLDS: Molds can be made from multiple materials. Recommended Material Substrates include, but are not limited to: MDF, Plywood, Foam, Aluminum, Machinable Wax etc. Foam Molds should be sealed BEFORE Vacuum Forming. All Molds must be free of dust, debris, and all Glue/Sealants must be COMPLETELY DRY before Vacuum Forming. Undercuts are not recommended.

    h. APPROVAL: Equipment is for Research and Learning Purposes ONLY. File Preparation & Equipment Use MUST be Course Related. Instances involving, but not limited to: Crafts, Gifts, ‘Buggy’ Builds, Non/Minimal Design Related Competitions, Carnival Projects etc.; are NOT approved and will immediately be removed from the Work-Area.