3D Printing Policies

Operational Policies

• Only one submission may be in the queue at a time for both the multi-material and regular print queue.
• 3D Print consultations may only accommodate one student at a time per appointment. A valid CSUN ID or MataCard is required upon arrival.
• The student who made the reservation must stay for the entire duration of the 3D print consultation until the CMS staff dismisses them. Students must anticipate staying for the full 30-minute consultation.
• For one-color print jobs, students may submit up to five files in one submission so long as the maximum filament weight does not exceed 160 grams and maximum print time does not exceed 10 hours.
• For multi-material print jobs, students may only submit one model in one submission. The total maximum filament weight of the model cannot exceed 160 grams (not including the wipe tower) and the maximum print time cannot exceed 14 hours.
• All 3D printing requests must be submitted as .STL, .OBJ, or .3MF files. Other file types will be returned and not printed until converted to the formats listed above.
• Only .3MF files that include color-coded information are accepted for multi-material printing.The CMS has 3D modeling and slicing software available for student use on the West Wing STEAM computer stations. In-person training of 3D software will be limited to workshops. Any one-on-one consultations will be restricted to 3D print slicing software technicalities; i.e. PrusaSlicer.
• 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. Students are responsible for design specifications (including measurements, color, thickness of shell, support, and overhangs) so special requests must be told to the CMS staff during the consultation.
• 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 to three 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.