There are two types of Laser Cutter reservations, each with durations of 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The minimum lead time to book a Laser Cutter reservation is 30 minutes

• Acrylic/Wood
  • Cutting or etching acrylic or wood, or etching marble, glass, or metal
    • Using these materials on a Regular reservation counts as a policy offense, as the filtration system isn't equipped to handle them
• Cardboard/Chipboard
  • Cutting cardboard, chip, Bristol, or museum board

How to Reserve a Laser Cutter on Patron Portal

If You're Already Certified

1. Visit Patron Portal and follow the How to Reserve Resources guide, along with the details below

2. Select a day

   1. You can reserve up to 3 days in advance

3. Select a time

   1. You may not reserve more than 90 minutes of Laser Cutting time per day
4. Open the Catalog and go to Fabrication to select a Laser Cutter type

>>> Reserve a Laser Cutter <<<

Use of the laser cutters is limited to students who have been certified and paid for a Digital Fabrication Subscription.

Using the Reservation System

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Visit the 'Reserve a Laser Cutter' link above

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• Select 'Laser Cutter Certification Training'
  • You must pass the Laser Cutter Certification quiz with a 13/13 before making this reservation

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2. If you're cutting any

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1. material other than cardboard, chip, Bristol, or museum board, select the

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1. Acrylic/

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1. Wood type
   1. This lets us know which laser cutter ventilation system type you'll need for your material and prevents irreversible damage to the systems
   2. Cutting any material other than cardboard, chip, Bristol, or museum board on the

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1. 1. Cardboard/Chipboard reservation type will cause you to lose your reservation,

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1. 1. lose your Certification, and be placed on the

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• If you're already on the Greylist*, you will be placed on the Blacklist**

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Select a reservation length (options are 30, 60 & 90 minutes)

• You must be on our list of certified users before making this reservation

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Select a day

• You can reserve up to 3 days in advance

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Select a time

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Enter your full name, e-mail address, EID, and answer the additional questions

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1. 1. Blacklist for 2 weeks*
2. You will receive an e-mail confirmation

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2. REMEMBER:
   1. Plan to arrive at your reservation on time with your file ready and your materials in hand
   2. You should arrive no later than

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1. 1. 5 minutes

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1. 1. into your reservation
   2. No-show reservations will be canceled and fined

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Expectations

Check-in and Check-out at the

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Tech Desk

This helps us ensure that you've selected the proper reservation type for the material you're cuttingis the only way to start your reservation and avoid late fines. We will also check that the material you wish to cut is approved.

Arrive On Time & Prepared 

You need to have all your prep work: files, templates, materials, etc. completed BEFORE the start of your reservation! If you leave the laser cutter room to go purchase materials, etc. you will lose your reservation. . 

Perform Material Tests

Due to material variations inherent in production and to each laser's power (affected by usage), you must complete a materials test before every new cutting session. It's not always possible to use the exact same settings from day to day or from machine to machine.

Finish On Time 

You know how long your reservation is, so please wrap up on time; that way, the next person can begin their reservation on time. Don't begin another cut if your time is almost up.

Cancellations 

If you need to cancel your reservation, visit us at the desk, e-mail us, or call us at 512-471-1189. 

• If you cancel your reservation...
  • More than 2 hours prior to your reservation
    • There is no charge
  • Less than 2 hours prior to your reservation
    • You will be fined $2.50 per 30 minutes of the reserved time
  • Less than 1 hour prior to your reservation
    • You will be fined $5.00 per 30 minutes of the reserved time

Late Arrivals & No Shows 

If you have not arrived within 10 minutes (within 5 minutes for certifications) of your reservation start time, we will cancel your reservation and you will be fined $10 per 30 minutes of the reserved time. If you cannot or will not make your reservation, please notify the Tech Desk.

FAQ

• Can I cut without a reservation?  Yes, walk-ins are permitted but must finish cutting before the next reservation begins.

• Can I pick which laser cutter I want to reserve?  No – the system does not allow you to request a particular machine. The reservation types help us match you to the correct laser cutter ventilation system for your materials.

• Can I sign up for back-to-back timeslots?  No – we only allow 90 minutes of reserved laser cutter time per day. If you need longer, schedule your cuts over multiple days or cut on low-volume days when the laser cutters are free. Signing up for more than 90 minutes per day will count as a policy offense.

• But Laser Cutter #X doesn’t work well!  If you are having problems with the performance of one of the laser cutters, please let the Service Desk Staff know immediately so that we can have the problem fixed.

• *What is the Greylist? Students on the Greylist lose certain privileges to the Tech Lab. Being placed on the Greylist is a consequence of breaking Tech Lab rules.
• **What is the Blacklist? Students on the Blacklist lose all privileges to the Tech Lab equipment. Being placed on the Blacklist is a consequence of either breaking Tech Lab rules while already on the Greylist, or breaking a major rule.

The final reservation for the day ends at 7:45 p.m. so that our staff can perform closing duties and leave on time.

Cancellations