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.