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Makerspace: Policies and Procedures

Makerspace Policies

Makerspace Usage
The Makerspace is available to all Miami-affiliated students, faculty, or staff. You must have a valid Miami ID card to use the space.  Exceptions must be approved by Sarah Nagle (pricesb@miamioh.edu)  in writing prior to use. In accordance with Miami University Libraries Policy, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or Miami faculty, staff, or student. A responsible party must supervise children under the age of 16 in the operation of Makerspace equipment. 
All adult users must sign a Makerspace Use Agreement And Release Of Liability. Users at least 16 years of age but under 18 years of age must submit a Minor Makerspace Use Agreement And Release Of Liability signed by a parent/guardian. Users must also complete training for use of specified machines.   All users must follow the Safety Guidelines.  Any failure to comply with the above will result in loss of Makerspace privileges. 

Hours of Operation
Makerspace operates on fixed hours throughout the academic year, which differ from King Library's schedule. Hours may change during holidays and intercession periods. Current operating hours are displayed at the Makerspace entrance and on our website. Projects must be finished within regular operating hours unless you've made prior arrangements with staff.

Usage Limitations
Patrons may only pre-book one machine at a time. If machines are available, Makerspace staff may approve the use of multiple machines at one time, on a case by case basis and at the discretion of staff. 

Patrons may not utilize the Makerspace for any type of commercial use. Selling of items created in the Makerspace is not permitted. 

3D Printing Limits

3D print reservations are limited to 3.5 hours maximum. Prints exceeding this timeframe must begin at least 4 hours before closing (example: if we close at 5 p.m., start your print by 1 p.m. at the latest). All prints require 30 minutes of user supervision before being left unattended. No print may exceed 10 hours total runtime. Staff approval is required for any print longer than 3.5 hours. Staff may terminate prints that lack proper approval or show signs of potential failure.

Free Material Limits
Free materials are a courtesy provided by Miami University Libraries. We cannot guarantee the availability of any materials at any time. If you exceed the free material limit, you may purchase your own supplies. Makerspace staff will be available to approve any outside materials brought into the space. You may contact create@miamioh.edu for an approved outside materials list. Per semester, users are limited to:

  • 1 sheet of Glowforge wood or acrylic
  • 5 sheets of 12 x 12 vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, or sublimation paper
  • 10 sheets of Sticker paper
  • 25 1.5" and 10 2.25" pinback button sets
  • Scraps are always free to use!

3D Printing Policy
Users may not use Makerspace equipment to create objects that endanger themselves or others. 
Staff have the right to refuse any project. All projects must comply with Miami University's 3D Printing Policy

Makerspace Projects 
All projects created within the Makerspace must respect the intellectual property of others and follow all U.S. copyright laws. Materials are available in the Makerspace for a fee. Fees will be posted in the Makerspace, and are subject to change.  Users may provide their own materials for projects, but must follow guidelines for acceptable materials as outlined on the Makerspace LibGuide. Staff have the right to refuse any materials or projects. 

Makerspace Safety Guidelines

General Lab Safety

  • Secure all scarves, neckties, loose-fitting clothing, or jewelry when using machinery in the Makerspace. These items can be caught in the equipment and cause injury. 
  • Keep hands and arms away from machinery during operation.
  • Never use a broken tool or machine. If you notice a tool or machine is broken, inform a staff member right away.
  • Keep the floor clear of clutter, wires, and/or trip hazards.
  • If you are unsure about how to safely operate machines or equipment, ask a staff member.
  • Safety goggles, gloves, and masks are all available for your use.  It is your responsibility to use the proper safety equipment for your project.  Not sure what to use? Just ask!


Machine-Specific Safety Considerations
Please refer to the Safety Manual for each machine for more detailed safety guidelines. Click the name of the machine for full manuals.

GlowForge Laser Cutter 

  • Never leave the Glowforge unit unattended while operating – always stay within sight. Look inside frequently. If you need to use the restroom or otherwise briefly leave the space, you MUST NOTIFY STAFF. Leaving the GlowForge unattended while running without notifying staff will result in an immediate ban of your GlowForge privileges. 
  • A small, candle-like flame where the laser beam strikes the material is normal. This flame should move with the laser and should not remain lit when the laser has moved past. If there is a lasting flame inside the Glowforge unit that does not extinguish when the laser has moved past, IMMEDIATELY unplug the GlowForge and notify staff. 
  • Makerspace staff must pre-approve the materials to be used on the GlowForge.
  • Make sure the BOFA air filter is turned on and running before turning on the GlowForge.

3D Printers

  • 3D Printers have hot parts that may burn your skin. Do not touch the extruder head or the print bed after turning on the machine. 
  • Use safety gloves when removing prints from 3D printer bed. Always point scraper away from your body when removing prints. 

Sewing Machines

  • Power the sewing machines off before changing needles, replacing bobbin, or any tasks that require your hands to be near the sewing area. 
  • Never sew over pins or buttons.
  • Always pay attention and keep hands clear of the feeder while sewing.
  • If the embroidery machine hit the hoop during the stitch immediately stop the machine and ask a staff member for help
  •  

Heat Press

  • The heat press has hot parts that can burn your skin. Do not touch the top part of the press when placing items on the bed for pressing.
  • Do not leave the heat press unattended during use. 

Contact Us

The Makerspace is located on the third floor of King Library (room 303)

General Questions?

Email: create@miamioh.edu

Phone: (513) 529-2871

Visit the Makerspace staff for our staff contact information and areas of expertise.