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Laser Engraving and Cutting Equipment Policies

Purpose

This policy establishes the guidelines for the safe and appropriate use of laser engraving and cutting equipment available at The University of Scranton IDEA Center.

The laser engravers are available for cutting, marking, and engraving approved materials using digital design files.

Policies

  1. Laser engravers 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 any other prohibited or dangerous objects.
  3. Users are not permitted to engrave obscene, harmful, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate designs. Staff, in their sole discretion, may decline or terminate a project that is inconsistent with University policy or community standards.
  4. All projects must respect the intellectual property rights of others; no copyrighted, trademarked, or patented designs may be reproduced without permission.
  5. Only authorized IDEA Center staff may operate the laser engravers. Users are not permitted to modify machine settings or override safety features.
  6. Materials must be pre-approved by IDEA Center staff to ensure they are safe and compatible with the equipment. Use of unapproved materials is prohibited due to fire, chemical, 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 engraving or cutting requests.
  • Community members may be permitted to use the laser engravers with prior approval from the Director of the IDEA Center, provided their use aligns with the University’s educational and community-engagement mission. Usage fees may apply.

Availability

Laser engraving services are available during IDEA Center operating hours. Larger or longer jobs may be scheduled overnight or outside of peak hours to maximize access for all users.

Reservations are required, and projects will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to academic projects.

Payments

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

For personal or community projects, material and usage fees may apply. Rates will be determined by job size, material type, and engraving time. All payments must be made in full prior to project completion.

Disclaimer

The University disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding the laser engravers and any resulting products. The University is not liable for damages resulting from the use, misuse, or function of engraved or cut 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.

Additional Laser Engraver Rules

  • Only approved materials may be used (examples: wood, acrylic, approved plastics, glass, leather, fabric, and select coated metals with marking spray).
  • Materials that release toxic fumes when cut (e.g., PVC, vinyl, polycarbonate, ABS, or unknown plastics) are strictly prohibited.
  • Users may not alter machine ventilation, filters, or safety interlocks.
  • Staff reserve the right to stop any job if equipment malfunctions or unsafe conditions are observed.
  • 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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