Waterjet Cutter Policies
Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for the safe and responsible use of the waterjet cutting equipment at The University of Scranton IDEA Center.
The waterjet cutter is available for precision cutting of approved materials using high-pressure water and abrasive media.
Policies
- The waterjet may only be used for lawful purposes and in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as University policies.
- The equipment may not be used to produce weapons, weapon parts, or any prohibited or dangerous objects.
- Projects that include obscene, harmful, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate designs will not be permitted. Staff, in their sole discretion, may decline or terminate any cutting project inconsistent with University policy or community standards.
- All projects must respect intellectual property rights; copyrighted, trademarked, or patented designs may not be reproduced without permission.
- Only trained and authorized IDEA Center staff may operate the waterjet cutter. Users may not operate the machine independently.
- Materials must be pre-approved by IDEA Center staff. Unapproved or unsafe materials (e.g., tempered glass, PVC, or hazardous composites) are prohibited due to risk of equipment damage or toxic byproducts.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled University of Scranton students, faculty, and staff may submit cutting requests.
- Community members may be permitted to use the vinyl cutter 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
Waterjet cutting services are available during IDEA Center operating hours. Larger or time-intensive jobs may be scheduled overnight or outside of peak hours to maximize access for all users.
Reservations are required, and academic projects will be prioritized.
Payments
Academic projects from University of Scranton students, faculty, or staff may be completed at no cost.
For personal or community projects, material and usage fees will apply. Rates will be based on cutting time, abrasive consumption, and material cost. All payments must be made in advance of job completion.
Disclaimer
The University disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding the waterjet cutter and any resulting products. The University is not liable for damages resulting from use, misuse, or function of cut items./p>
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 Vinyl Cutter Rules
- Only staff may handle abrasive material loading, water system adjustments, or machine maintenance.
- Approved protective gear must be used by staff during machine operation.
- Unsafe or unknown materials will not be permitted under any circumstances.
- Staff reserve the right to stop or decline a job if it compromises machine function or safety.
- Projects produced with IDEA Center equipment may not be represented as officially affiliated with The University of Scranton unless specifically approved.
Copyright Notice
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.