Reserve a Laser Cutter
Using the Reservation System
Visit the 'Reserve a Laser Cutter' link above
Select a reservation length (options are 30, 60 & 90 minutes)
- If you're cutting anything other than cardboard, chip, Bristol, or museum board, select the ACRYLIC reservation type
- This lets us know which laser cutter ventilation system type you'll need for your material
- If you're cutting anything other than cardboard, chip, Bristol, or museum board, select the ACRYLIC reservation type
Select a day (you can reserve up to 3 days in advance)
Select a time
Enter your full name, e-mail address, and EID
Answer any additional questions
Click "Book"
- You will receive an e-mail with a calendar event
- REMEMBER:
- Plan to arrive at your reservation on time with your file ready and your materials in hand
- You should arrive no later than 10 minutes (5 minutes for certifications) into your reservation
- No-show reservations will be canceled and fined $5.00 per 30 minutes of the reserved time
Expectations
Check-in and Check-out at the Service Desk
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.
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 or call us at 512-471-1189.
- If you cancel your reservation by the Lab's closing time on the day before
- There is no charge.
- If you cancel your reservation on the same day
- More than 2 hours prior to your reservation
- You will be fined $2.50 per 30 minutes of the reserved time
- Less than 2 hours prior to your reservation
- You will be fined $5.00 per 30 minutes of the reserved time
- More than 2 hours prior to your reservation
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 $5 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? COVID-19 has impacted this service. Only reservations are accepted for laser cutter use at this time.
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.
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.