Policies

Syracuse University MakerSpace Policies

Policy Statement

Syracuse University ITS Learning Environments and Media Production is proud to present the ITS MakerSpace. It is a space where all faculty, staff and students are encouraged to visit, learn and explore their creative side. We offer state-of-the-art technology that allows users to imagine, design, build, tinker, and modify.

At the MakerSpace you will find, 3D printers, laser engravers, embroidery machines, a fully functional computer lab, and more. Our experienced staff will guide you in using the equipment and help with any questions you may have regarding their use. Please note that the MakerSpace is a place for people to learn and explore, and is not meant for work related to courses including projects. Although we encourage your imagination and designs to be limitless, to better provide for all users, filament will have to be purchased for 3D projects requiring more than 150 grams of filament. All other projects will be supplied by our department. As the technology can be dangerous if misused, a staff member is required to approve all projects and assist in using all equipment.

Access Policies

Lab Access Policies

All students, staff, faculty and members of the Syracuse University community may enter the MakerSpace during open hours. All hours are subject to change. A SU I.D. card swipe will be needed to gain access to the lab. All members outside of the University should fill out the contact form to see what access and services can be provided. Once entering the lab please sign in and/or check in with one of the MakerSpace staff members.

Machine Access Policies

All tools and machines outside the computers being used must be supervised by an authorized MakerSpace employee. Failure to do so may and will result in the user being asked to stop what they are doing and to leave the premises. To protect the wellbeing of MakerSpace users, staff and machines, all projects must get prior approval by the supervising MakerSpace staff member. Due to safety concerns, the supervising MakerSpace staff member will need to specifically supervise in the use of machines outside of the 3D Printers. All users of the MakerSpace must fill out the Equipment Use Agreement Form and will assume any risk and/or harm that may come from misusing the machines. All MakerSpace users must also be of legal age or get prior approval to access the machines.

University Groups and Organizations

Syracuse University and SUNY ESF clubs, groups, organizations are welcome at the ITS MakerSpace. If your group consists of three or more people, please complete the contact form to setup an appointment to ensure staffing coverage. As a reminder, the MakerSpace is intended to be a place to learn and explore. Manufacturing products for commercial use is prohibited. Therefore, the MakerSpace cannot create promotional items for groups.

Conduct and General Policy

The MakerSpace is Not a Place to Manufacture

The MakerSpace is intended to be a place to learn and explore. Manufacturing products for commercial use is prohibited. In addition to this, please note that coursework does not take priority in this space, and is not what the space is intended for.

Weapon Making and Tools for Vandalism are Prohibited

Weapons, weapon accessories, and replicas are banned from being produced at the ITS MakerSpace.

Hazardous Waste

Do not dispose of hazardous waste in the trash. Please notify a MakerSpace employee of any Hazardous Waste; do not attempt to dispose of it yourself. Use the appropriate recycle bin in the MakerSpace, to dispose of such items as batteries, lightbulbs, ink, etc.

Clean Up

When finished working on a project or machine, it is your responsibility to make sure that the machine and area around the machine is clean. Failure to do so can result in injury to yourself and others. Before using a machine, also, make sure the work area is clean. Please do not leave any personal belongings unattended.

Power Outage or Fire Alarm

In the event of a Power Outage or a Fire Alarm safely stop what you are doing and exit the MakerSpace.

Consequences for Policy Violations

All MakerSpace Visitors assume risk and are responsible for knowing the MakerSpace policies when entering. Failure to do so can result in, but is not limited to: being asked to leave the space, being banned indefinitely, and potential legal action if necessary. Consequences for breaking the MakerSpace Policies are at the sole discretion of the MakerSpace Supervisors.

Machine Safety Policies

Below are some of the lab’s safety policies. This does not cover all aspects of safety and operations of the MakerSpace equipment, but does cover important guidelines. For complete safety instructions contact the MakerSpace supervisor. In addition to this, all machine use must be supervised by a MakerSpace Employee.

Dress Code

  • Always wear appropriate eye protection and safety glasses when using MakerSpace Equipment.
  • Do not wear loose clothing that can be caught in the machines.
  • Tie up loose and long hair as much as possible. To prevent harm, make sure no hair is exposed to the machine.
  • Do not at any time use unnecessary and loose accessories. This includes headphones, earbuds, ties, jewelry, etc.
  • Wear closed toe shoes. No heels or sandals.
  • Wear appropriate protection for your ears and other body parts.

3D Printers

  • 3D printers generates high temperatures and includes moving parts that can cause injury. Never reach inside the 3D printer while it is in operation. Wait for the 3D printer to cool down before reaching inside.
  • Make sure the 3D printer is well ventilated as plastic odors are emitted when melted/printed.
  • If using a scraper to detach printed object, always push away from yourself. Do not put yourself in the path of the scraper.

Filabot Filament Maker

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Please note that this machine generates high heat and houses chemicals/plastics that can be harmful if misused.
  • Make sure the machine is in a well ventilated area and is plugged into a secure and safe power source.
  • Do not reach inside the machine well in use and do not put yourself in the path of the machine.

Pensa Labs Diwire Wire Bender

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace supervisor.
  • When in use make sure that an appropriate amount of space is between you, the machine, and people around yourself.
  • Do not reach inside the machine well in use and do not put yourself in the path of the machine.
  • Shield the wire that is in the machine, to prevent any harm caused by the wire possibly breaking and flying off the machine.
  • Make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing and eye protection when using this machine.

Laser Engravers

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Do not look directly into the Laser Diode Pointer beam.
  • Do not use the Red Dot Pointer without the focus lens in place.
  • Do not undo any protective covers or attempt to disassemble the machine.
  • Always keep the area around the machine clear of unnecessary material.
  • Make sure to use air assist when vector cutting.
  • Keep the area well ventilated.
  • Never engrave or cut any material containing PVC or Vinyl.

CNC Techno Router

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Always keep all body parts and objects away from machine while power is on.
  • Before servicing, disconnect the power.
  • Do not adjust the machine parts when the power is on.
  • Make sure appropriate power, ground, and voltage is used when machine is powered on.
  • Do not overstretch cables or run them through other work areas.
  • Make sure work is properly secured and clamped when using the machine.
  • Do not use machine for purposes other than what it is intended.
  • Make sure machine is clean, well ventilated, and in an open work area, before use.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and eye protection when using machine. 11.Make sure machine is well lubricated and serviced before use.
  • Do not use dull or damaged tools with this machine.

CNC Tormach Milling Machine

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Always keep all body parts and objects away from machine while power is on.
  • Before servicing, disconnect the power.
  • Do not adjust the machine parts when the power is on.
  • Make sure appropriate power, ground, and voltage is used when machine is powered on.
  • Do not overstretch cables or run them through other work areas.
  • Make sure work is properly secured and clamped when using the machine.
  • Do not use machine for purposes other than what it is intended.
  • Make sure machine is clean, well ventilated, and in an open work area, before use.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and eye protection when using machine.
  • Make sure machine is well lubricated and serviced before use.
  • Do not use dull or damaged tools with this machine.

Vinyl Cutter

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Always keep all body parts and objects away from machine while cutting is occurring.
  • Do not adjust the machine parts when the power is on.
  • Do not use machine for purposes other than what it is intended.
  • Make sure machine is clean, well ventilated, and in an open work area, before use.
  • Wear appropriate clothing when using machine.
  • Make sure vinyl is properly inserted into the cutter/printer
  • Discard excess material in the proper waste container

Dye-Sublimation Printer

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Always keep all body parts and objects away from machine while power is on.
  • Do not leave the Printer unattended while it is printing.
  • Never reach inside the Printer while it is in operation.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble the machine.
  • Always keep the area around the machine clear of unnecessary material.
  • Do not use machine for purposes other than what it is intended.
  • Make sure machine is clean, well ventilated, and in an open work area, before use.
  • Wear appropriate clothing when using machine.

Heat Press

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Machine can heat up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, so always keep all body parts and objects away from machine while in use.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble the machine.
  • Keep machine on a sturdy surface.
  • Always check that the transfer image is face down against the material.
  • Always follow the transfer media suppliers instructions when pressing.
  • Always keep the area around the machine clear of unnecessary material.
  • Do not use machine for purposes other than what it is intended.
  • Make sure machine is clean, well ventilated, and in an open work area, before use.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and eye protection when using machine.

Embroidery and Sewing Machine

  • Do not use without the direct supervision of the MakerSpace Site Supervisor.
  • Digitizing software available for in house design.
  • Embroidery files that can be imported are,  OMF,EXP,DST.
  • It is recommended that you change standard needles every 4 – 8 sewing hours.
  • Change needle if it is dull, broken, or if sewing conditions change.
  • Make sure the safety grabber blade is in the back position before changing a needle. If it is not, press the Adjustment and Center keys on the AMAYA keypad to move the grabber back.
  • Each needle has a needle clamp set screw that holds it in place.
  • Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, turn the needle clamp set screw counterclockwise about ½ turn, until the needle can slide down and out of the needle bar. Do not loosen too much or remove the set screw. Loosen the screw just enough for the needle to be removed.
  • Embroidery needles have a front and a back side. The needle must be installed correctly or the sewing quality may suffer. If you install the needle incorrectly, you my also get thread breaks. The front of the needle has a long groove (thread guide), while the back has and indented notch (scarf).
  • With the thread guide facing forward and the scarf facing back, slide the needle up and into the needle clamp as far as it will go. The eye of the needle should be turned 5°to the right. (There is an acceptable range of 0° – 20° to the right).
  • Re-tighten the needle clamp set screw to hold the needle in place.

Emergency Reference Guide

Find out Syracuse University’s Safety Policies for Medical Emergencies. (Chemical Spills, Evacuation Plans, Weapon Discharge, Power Outage, Fire, Etc.)

ITS Computing Policy

Find out Syracuse University’s Computing Policy. Included are policies for Copyright, Computer Labs, Electronic Communications, Etc.