Laser cutter-related policy violations have consequences. Some of these will incur fines, some will involve access suspension, and others will have both. The last date for Laser Cutter training for the Spring 2024 semester is .
Although this system uses a CO2laser that could damage your eyes or skin with direct contact, it uses both a system of safety interlocks and an IR-absorbing window on the top door, making the laser cutter safe to use without goggles or other safety gear
Please note that the intense light that appears during the engraving or cutting process is the product of material combustion or vaporization
Do not stareat the bright light or risk damage to your eyes
Certain materials require close supervision, but you should still avoid looking directly at the combustion/vaporization
Additionally, the Red Dot Pointer that appears on the material is just a positioning help, not the laser beam itself; however,do not stareat the Red Dot Pointer or risk damage to your eyes.
Lastly, the machine doors are safety-interlocked and will disable the CO2 laser beam from firing when the doors are opened. The Red Dot Pointer is NOT safety interlocked and can be activated with the door(s) either open or closed.
Operating the laser cutter in any unsafe way can result in damage caused to your health and/or the laser cutter.
Unsafe practices include, but are not limited to:
Leaving the laser cutter unattended while it is running
Cutting materials that are on the Prohibited Materials list
Many of the Prohibited Materials emit toxic gas
Tampering with the laser cutter's safety mechanisms
Turning off the Air Assist feature
'Sandwiching' more flammable material between less-flammable materials. (i.e. a sheet of cardboard between two layers of chipboard, etc.) The result could easily be a FIRE!
IN CASE OF FIRE, IMMEDIATELY PRESS THE EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON (located on top of the laser) AND USE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER (located near the door).
General
If the laser cutter computers aren't logged in, notify staff at the Technology Desk
Only the Technology Desk staff are permitted to give you access to the system
Do not log in using your own EID credentials, as the software is only configured under our account
Operating the laser cutter without (a) being trained AND (b) paying the subscription fee will result in privileges being revoked
If you notice that the laser cutter requires cleaning or maintenance, please notify the Technology Desk staff immediately in person or by calling 512-471-1189
Policy Violations
If you cancel your reservation...
More than 2 hoursbefore your reservation...
There is no charge
Less than 2 hoursbefore your reservation...
You will be fined $2.50 per 30 minutesof the reserved time
Less than 1 hourbefore your reservation...
You will be fined$5.00 per 30 minutesof the reserved time
If you have not arrived within5 minutes(on timefor certifications) of your reservation start time...
We willcancelyour reservation
You will be fined$10 per 30 minutesof the reserved time
You will be added to the Greylist*
If you leave the laser cutter room to go purchase materials, etc...
Your reservation will be canceled
If you cut without a Subscription (after the 12th class day)...
You will be Subscribed
The $50 fee will be added to your WIO
You will be fined$100
If you damage a part of the laser cutter...
You will be fined the cost of replacement
You will be added to the Greylist*
If you cut plastic or wood on Laser Cutters 3, 4, or 5...
You will be added to the Blacklist** for two weeks
You will remain on the Greylist* after the two-week suspension for the current semester
Your certification will be revoked, and you must go through the certification process again after your suspension
If you cut prohibited material...
You will be added to the Blacklist** for the remainder of the semester
You will remain on the Greylist* for the next semester
Your certification will be revoked, and you must go through the certification process again the following semester
Greylist & Blacklist
Violations include:
Cutting without being certified
Cutting without a subscription
Cutting banned materials
Cutting acrylic or wood on laser cutters 3, 4, or 5
Damaging equipment
Sharing a subscription
Being in the Laser Cutter room or Robotics Lab without being certified and subscribed
No-show/late to a reservation
Cutting a file with an estimated run time that's longer than your remaining reservation time
The consequences are listed below.
1st Offense - Warning - Greylist
2nd Offense - Two-Week Suspension - Blacklist
You may not use any services related to Patron Portal for two weeks