Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Center for Bits and Atoms   

Digital Fabrication Facility

Precision Lab E14-151A

E14-151A EHS rep John DiFrancesco, difran@cba.mit.edu

SOP update history:July 11, 2016 John DiFrancesco

Only authorized & trained personnel shall be allowed access to the machine shop. Entry doors are secured with card reader access control systems.

The precision lab consist of

1. 3 laser cutters
2. 2 3Dscanners
3. 9 3D printers

1. 1 vacuum former
2. 2 modela’s three axis mills
3. 1 vinyl cutter
4. 1 ultasonic welder

Shop Hours

Undergraduate students are only to use the shop during normal working hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Graduate students and Staff are allowed 24/7 access

Safety Regulations

Use of this facility requires the use of standard safety precautions at all times. To include but not limited to:

1. Be aware of how to stop the machine you’re planning to use, and how to call for help (dial 100 from any MIT phone for medical, police, and fire emergencies).
2. Safety glasses are your responsibility. You may not work in this space without them. If there aren’t any available when you enter the shop, its no excuse to work without them.
3. Only closed-toe shoes may be worn
4. Long hair should be tied up, loose clothes should be tightened, and dangling jewelry should be removed. These can all get caught in the machines.
5. Do not leave tools in the machine when you’re done. Put them in their proper home.
6. Always know the safe operation of the machines you wish to run. If unfamiliar with a particular machine, see the shop staff.
7. Do not make parts in haste. Plan your job and procedures in advance. Determine what special tools you may need.
8. Use the vac to remove chips from a machine; do NOT use your hands
9. You are required to report all issued, accidents, and tool breakages to John DiFrancesco or Tom Lutz.
10. You will not grant permission for any use of this facility. Access to this machine shop is through the shop administrative group only.
11. Respect the machines and what they can (and can’t) do never, ever use the machines for anything other than what they were designed to do, and never tamper, alter, or play with the equipment!
12. You are required to clean your machine and sweep your work area before leaving.

3D printing

Request for 3D printing parts require an STL file sent to 3dprint@cba.mit.edu

You must purchase your own material for large projects

Contact: John DiFrancesco difran@cba.mit.edu or Tom Lutz tom.lutz@cba.mit.edu

for more information.

Beam Laser cutter

Beam laser cutter requires special training and permission to use.

Contact: John DiFrancesco difran@cba.mit.edu

Tools and Materials

(a) Tools in the shop are the responsibility of the user. If they were missing when you came in, tell us. If it is broken we will do our best to replace it. Do not remove any tools from the shop. We may be able to loan some special tools. An ID is required for any tool loan. This will be handled on a case by case basis. Plan ahead for tool needs.

(b) Materials are not provided. Shop staff may be able to direct you to resources and vendors for your machine materials. There are designated scrap areas but they are not to be relied upon.

(c) Do not store any materials in the shop. Do not add or store any furniture or equipment in the shop without permission. Do not leave unfinished projects in the shop without permission. You must remove projects to leave the space available for other users. If such parts are found they may become part of a scrap pile!

Violation of any of the above or improper use of the machine shop may result in loss of access to this facility. The machine shop is an evolutionary process. More machines and tools will be added over time. A degree of responsibility in maintaining the shop is assumed on the part of the students using the facility. This includes cleaning up after oneself, returning tools to their appropriate locations, not leaving parts in the machines overnight, etc.

John DiFrancesco difran@cba.mit.edu x3-8136

Tom Lutz tom.lutz@cba.mit.edu x3-5789