Laser cutter-related policy violations have consequences. Some of these will incur fines, some will involve access suspension, and others will have both. The last date for Laser Cutter training for the Fall 2024 semester is 15 Nov 2024 .

Access & Certification

To use the laser cutters, you must:

• be a member of the School of Architecture community AND
• purchase a Digital Fabrication Subscription for the semester AND 
• be certified for laser cutter use*

...

1. Email the Tech Desk to request to be added to the Laser Cutter Certification course
   1. Please check that you aren't already in the course before reaching out
2. Review all of the material in each module and complete the quizzes with 100%
   • You only have three attempts to receive a 100%
     • Email the Tech Desk to request an additional attempt if you require more than three
   • Take your time and read each question carefully
   • Incorrect answers will point you toward the page you still need to review
3. Score a 100% on the "Laser Cutter Certification Exam"
   • You only have three attempts to receive a 100%
     • Email the Tech Desk to request an additional attempt if you require more than three
   • Take your time and read each question carefully
4. Only after scoring a 100% on all Quizzes and the Exam, schedule a time for in-person training with a member of the Tech Desk staff through Bookingsby completing the Request Form located here.
   • We will contact you within 2 business days to schedule training
   • Once certified, you will be added to the registry of certified users for the laser cutters

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If you cut without a Subscription (after the 12th class day)...

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• You will be added to the Blacklist** for the remainder of the semester
• You will remain on the Greylist* for the next semester
• Your certification will be revoked, and you must go through the certification process again the following semester

Greylist & Blacklist

Violations include:

• Cutting without being certified
• Cutting without a subscription
• Cutting banned materials
• Cutting acrylic or wood on laser cutters 3, 4, or 5
• Damaging equipment
• Sharing a subscription
• Being in the Laser Cutter room or Robotics Lab without being certified and subscribed
• No-show/late to a reservation
• Cutting a file with an estimated run time that's longer than your remaining reservation time

The consequences are listed below. 

• 1st Offense - Warning - Greylist
• 2nd Offense - Two-Week Suspension - Blacklist
  • You may not use any services related to Patron Portal for two weeks
• 3rd Offense - Semester-Long Suspension - Blacklist
  • You may not use any services related to Patron Portal until the first class day of the next semester

For any questions about the content of these messages, please contact us:

• soatechdesk@utexas.edu
• https://soa.utexas.edu/techwiki
• 512-471-1189
• SUT 1.100