3D Printing Policies

Operational Policies

• Students may submit only a single request at a time.
• 3D Print consultations may only accommodate one student at a time per appointment. A valid CSUN ID is required upon arrival.
• Each submission may not exceed five models with a total weight of 160 grams and total print time of 10 hours.
• All 3D printing requests must be submitted as .STL files. Other file types will be returned and not printed until converted to the .STL format.
• The Creative Maker Studio has 3D modeling software available for student use on the West Wing computer stations. In-person training of 3D modeling software will be limited to workshops. Any one-on-one consultations will be restricted to 3D print slicing software technicalities; i.e. Cura.
• 3D designs may be found online or are to be created by student. Students may be asked what the end use of the print will be and must show the web source if prompted.
• CMS staff will briefly evaluate each submitted file for size, compatibility with printer, and the need for support.
• CMS staff cannot guarantee item quality or stability, nor confidentiality of designs. The CMS is not responsible for design flaws or ill-fitting building parts, and will not modify submissions beyond what is described above.
• Any finishing steps such as removing platform adhesion, supports, sanding, gluing, painting, etc. is the responsibility of the user (excludes PVA supports). Students are responsible for design specifications (including measurements, color, thickness of shell, support, and overhangs) so special requests have to be spelled out in appropriate form field.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for failed print jobs.
• Students may only reprint the same job once.
• Students will receive an estimated time for delivery of print job once the job has been evaluated and submitted to the print queue. Actual print time will vary depending on model size and number of jobs in queue.
• Estimated time does not account for problems that may arise with 3D printer. Students should allow at least one (1) week to (2) weeks for an approved print job to be completed.
• Every new print job or reprint will be placed at end of queue.
• Students are solely responsible for their own project deadlines – plan accordingly.
• Staff cannot modify print queue.
• Prints must be picked up by the individual who submitted the print job using a valid CSUN ID. Items not picked up within 60 days become the property of the CMS. Policies must be adhered to at all times.
• If you have complex 3D printing needs, a paid 3D printing service may work best for you. You may use these third-party services at your own risk. The Library does not endorse any third-party service and does not know any details of their services.

Usage Policies

• The Creative Maker Studio reserves the right to refuse any print job.
• The print job requester assumes responsibility for the safe use of the object once it is printed.
• The 3D printer may be used for lawful purposes only. Patrons will not be permitted to use the printer to create objects that are:
  • Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  • In violation of another's intellectual property rights; for example, materials that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or that may pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
    • This includes but is not limited to whole models or parts that can be assembled into: firearms, guns, replicas, ammunition, knives, or other weapons.
• The Creative Maker Studio and the University Library take no responsibility for the end-use of an object once the object is printed.
• By making use of this service, you agree to use it for lawful purposes that respect the policies of California State University, Northridge and the University Library as well as the safety and well-being of all students, staff, faculty, patrons, and community.
• In addition to complying with all applicable University Library, CSUN, CSU, and government policies, rules, laws, and regulations, users must also follow the University Library's Code of Conduct.
• Use of these resources is a privilege.
• Non-compliance may result in a request to leave the Library, loss of Library privileges, and/or a report filed with the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development and/or Campus Police Services.

3D Print Copyright Notice

NOTICE WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT AND OTHER LEGAL RESTRICTIONS. The copyright (Title 17, United States Code), intellectual property (patent law for example under Title 35, United States Code) and other laws of the United States may govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of content protected by copyright, patent and other laws. The Library assumes no responsibility for copyright or patent violations incurred through use of this service. For more information about copyright and fair use, please visit our Copyright Guide.