3D print jobs can take a really long time, making sure everyone gets to use the printers can be challenging. These are some basic guidelines for everyone:
- Leave printers free for programmes. There is a sign on the printer shelf with how many printers need to be left free for the different programmes (eg Cosplay, Open Session). This is updated by the facilitators with how many are needed.
- Non-members generally get priority during programme times. The reason for this is that members have cards and can come in at other times. We want to share the 3D printers with the community and they can only come in to use them when TAP lab is open to the public.
- Don’t tie up multiple printers with long jobs. If you have a long print (over 10hrs) on one printer, don’t tie up another printer with another long job unless you’re really sure no one else is going to be coming in AND there is another printer available.
- Fill in the job log.
Restrictions for commercial 3D printing
We define commercial printing as printing to sell, not prototyping you are doing as part of your work. TAP lab is not opposed to members using TAP lab printers to make items to sell for profit but this kind of printing tends to negatively impact other users. We prioritise printing for hobby, design and invention over printing for the profit of an individual.
If you are doing commercial printing you must:
- Pay $1 per hour instead of 50c per hour when using your own filament.
- Only run jobs outside of peak hours. These are displayed on the printer shelf at TAP lab and are set by TAP lab staff.
Exception: if you have a short job (eg under 3hrs) AND the printers aren’t busy then printing during peak hours is fine as it’s unlikely to impact on other users. - Make sure you fill in the job log.
Please note: the restrictions for commercial use only apply to the 3D printers. So far they are the only equipment where commercial use has significantly impacted on others’ ability to use them. This is simply due to the nature of them (for example you can start a 2 day print and leave, for the laser cutter you have to monitor what you are doing, you will need to take breaks so there are opportunities for others to negotiate taking turns). If issues arise with other equipment then restrictions may need to come in for those.