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CNC Fabrication Equipment Policies

Purpose

This policy establishes the guidelines for the safe and appropriate use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) fabrication equipment available at The University of Scranton IDEA Center.

The CNC fabrication equipment is available for precision cutting, routing, and milling of approved materials using digital design files.

Policies

  1. CNC equipment may only be used for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as University policies.
  2. The equipment may not be used to produce weapons, weapon parts, ammunition, or other prohibited or dangerous objects.
  3. Users are not permitted to fabricate obscene, harmful, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate designs. Staff, in their sole discretion, may decline or terminate projects inconsistent with University policy or community standards.
  4. All projects must respect intellectual property rights. No copyrighted, trademarked, or patented designs may be reproduced without permission.
  5. Only trained and authorized IDEA Center staff may operate CNC equipment. Users may not operate the machines independently without certification.
  6. Materials must be pre-approved by IDEA Center staff. Unapproved or unsafe materials (e.g., PVC, tempered glass, unknown composites) are prohibited due to tool safety, fire, and fume hazards.
  7. Users may not override safety features, modify tooling, or attempt maintenance without staff authorization.

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled University of Scranton students, faculty, and staff may submit CNC fabrication requests.
  • External community members may be permitted with prior approval from the Director of the IDEA Center, provided their use aligns with the University’s educational and community mission. Usage fees may apply.

Availability

CNC fabrication services are available during IDEA Center operating hours. Larger or more complex jobs may be scheduled overnight or during low-demand hours to maximize access.

Reservations are required. Priority will be given to academic projects over recreational or personal projects.

Payments

Academic projects from University of Scranton students, faculty, or staff may be completed without a fee.

Personal or community projects may incur material and usage fees. Rates will be based on machine time, tool wear, and material cost. All payments must be made prior to project completion.

Disclaimer

The University disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding CNC fabrication equipment and any resulting products. The University is not liable for damages resulting from use, misuse, or function of fabricated items.

Users are responsible for ensuring they hold all necessary rights to their designs and are liable for any intellectual property claims. The University does not guarantee confidentiality, data security, or specific equipment performance, and is not responsible for loss, corruption, or damage to digital files or materials.

Additional CNC Equipment Rules

  • Only approved bits, end mills, and cutting tools may be used.
  • Materials must be properly secured before machining.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted near CNC equipment.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and hearing protection must be used when operating or observing CNC processes.
  • Staff reserve the right to stop or decline any job that risks damage to equipment, safety, or compliance.
  • Projects produced with IDEA Center equipment may not be represented as officially affiliated with The University of Scranton unless specifically approved.
  • Completed projects must be picked up within seven (7) days; unclaimed items may be discarded.

Copyright law under Title 17 of the United States Code, patent law under Title 35 of the United States Code, and other intellectual property laws of the United States may govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of content. Under 17 U.S.C. § 108(f)(2) the provision of unsupervised photocopy or reproducing equipment for use by patrons does not excuse the person who uses the reproduction equipment from liability for copyright infringement for any such act, or for any later use of such copy or phonorecord, if it exceeds fair use as provided by 17 U.S.C. § 107. Nor does it excuse the person who uses the reproducing equipment from liability for patent, tort or other laws.

This institution reserves the right to refuse to make available or provide access to photocopy or other reproducing equipment if, in its judgment, use of such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent or other laws.

© 2025 University of Scranton

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