MakerLab Usage During COVID-19

In order to maintain the safest environment possible for students, faculty, and staff, the SU Libraries MakerLab is operating by appointment only during the Fall 2020 semester. Services are limited to 3D printing, 3D scanning, and laser cutting/engraving. Continue reading to find out what to do if you’d like to make use of these services.

3D Printing
3D printing consultations will be held over Zoom. The process will work as follows:
1. Please make an appointment using our online appointment system. Select the day and time you'd like to meet with a MakerLab staff member using Zoom.
2. The system will ask you to answer a couple of questions in order to make your appointment. Please provide as much information as possible so that we can best help you during your appointment time. If you will not need to actually print during this appointment, be sure to select the "Consultation Only" option from the "Preferred Printer" dropdown menu.
3. Once your request is received, we will email you a Zoom link to use at your scheduled appointment time. Be sure to save this email so you can access the Zoom link when you need it. If you lose track of it, you can email us at makerlab@salisbury.edu to have it re-sent to you.
4. If possible, please send any 3D model files to us at makerlab@salisbury.edu before your appointment time. You can send the STL or OBJ files by directly attaching them to an email, or you can send us a link to the website where you found the files. If you can't provide the files in advance, we will provide instructions for getting them to us during your appointment.
5. During your appointment, a MakerLab staff member will load your model file(s) into our software and discuss your printing options. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have about the best way to print your object at that time. If your object can't be printed for whatever reason, we will work with you to identify other options to achieve your goals.
6. Once your print completes, we will remove it from the printer and remove any support material for you. Please note that turn around times for prints may take longer than normal during this time, so please allow 2-3 business days. If you need the object sooner, let us know during your appointment.
7. The object will be placed in one of the lockers located near the main Library Service Desk (across from the coffee shop). The combination will be emailed to you. We ask that you pick up your object from the locker within 3 days.
8. Charges for successful prints will be added to your SU account, which will show up for payment online after 30 days. You can pay this bill as you pay most of your other University expenses. See the Cashier's Office website for more information.
3D Scanning
Due to the nature of 3D scanning, these appointments cannot be held over Zoom. However, MakerLab staff will ensure proper social distancing is maintained at all times. A face mask is required, and only one person (other than staff) will be allowed in the MakerLab at a time. The process will work as follows:
1. Please make an appointment using our online appointment system. Select the day and time you'd like to meet with a MakerLab staff member using Zoom.
2. The system will ask you to answer a couple of questions in order to make your appointment. Please provide as much information as possible so that we can best help you during your appointment time.
3. Once your appointment is scheduled, it would be helpful if you could send a few photos of the object(s) you will scan to makerlab@salisbury.edu. This is not required, but may help us identify potential issues before you need to visit the MakerLab in person.
4. Come to the MakerLab (GAC 116) at your scheduled appointment time. Be sure to bring (1) the object(s) you'd like to scan and (2) a face mask. Only one person may enter the MakerLab at a time, so be aware that anyone who comes with you will need to wait outside.
5. MakerLab staff will review your object(s) and make scanning recommendations. Depending on the scanner used and type of object, we will either perform the scan for you or provide instruction on how you can do it yourself.
6. Once your scan is completed, we will provide you with the digital object file. You may wish to bring a flash drive with you so that you can save it easily, although we can send it to you in other ways as well.
7. If you would like to print your object, you may need to make a separate 3D printing appointment depending on availability.
Laser Cutting/Engraving
Laser cutting/engraving consultations will be held over Zoom. The process will work as follows:
1. Please make an appointment using our online appointments system. Select the day and time you'd like to meet with a MakerLab staff member using Zoom.
2. The system will ask you to answer a couple of questions in order to make your appointment. Please provide as much information as possible so that we can best help you during your appointment time.
3. Once your request is received, we will email you a Zoom link to use at your scheduled appointment time. Be sure to save this email so you can access the Zoom link when you need it. If you lose track of it, you can email us at makerlab@salisbury.edu to have it re-sent to you.
4. If possible, please send any image files to us at makerlab@salisbury.edu before your appointment time. If you can't provide the files in advance, we will provide instructions for getting them to us during your appointment.
5. During your appointment, a MakerLab staff member will load your images into our software and discuss your options. If your design can't be printed for whatever reason, we will work with you to identify other options to achieve your goals.
6. Once your object completes, we will remove it from the printer and clean it up for you. Please note that turn around times for prints may take longer than normal during this time, so please allow 2-3 business days. If you need the object sooner, let us know during your appointment.
7. The object will be placed in one of the lockers located near the main Library Service Desk (across from the coffee shop). The combination will be emailed to you. We ask that you pick up your object from the locker within 3 days.
8. Charges for successful prints will be added to your SU account, which will show up for payment online after 30 days. You can pay this bill as you pay most of your other University expenses. See the Cashier's Office website for more information.
Other Services