SPEC Kit 348: Rapid Fabrication/Makerspace Services · 37
14. Does your library charge for using any of this equipment? N=39
Yes 11 28%
Not yet, but we plan to 5 13%
No 12 31%
Not yet determined 11 28%
If yes or you plan to, please specify which equipment and briefly describe the fee structure. N=16
$1.50/half hour of reservation time on 3-D printer. The 3-D scanner is free.
3-D printing: we charge $0.10/gram to recover costs.
3-D printing costs 25 cents/gram.
3-D printing will be charged by weight.
3-D printing, have not yet decided on the fee structure.
Cost of materials for 3-D printing: $1.00 base fee plus 15 cents per gram for a printed item
For each object that is printed, we weigh the object and charge a per gram fee. There is also a setup fee that is charged.
Just for the 3-D printing.
Laser printers: per page 3-D printers: based on volume
Services are broken into two tiers representing full-service and self-service models. Self-service models require the
user to provide their own consumables while we provide access to working equipment free of charge. In the case
of 3-D printing, our full-service model is derived from consumables (model material, support material, build plates,
peripheral supplies, etc.) Our scanning service is based on consumables and staff time. More specifically, a user is
charged a fixed rate per hour with a minimum of 2 hours. This rate includes student wages and markers required for the
scanning process.
Some 3-D printing and scanning
The 3-D printer: We haven’t figured out the fee structure yet (maybe per material weight and print time).
The charges primarily cover our costs for supplies.
We charge $.10 per gram for the filament and a setup fee of $5.00.
We charge based on material used, incorporating machine, maintenance, and staff costs, except where grant or
donor funded. The new space will utilize a different model where the equipment is free to use, but will charge
for consumables.
We had grant funding for the 2014–2015 academic year, but are looking at models for charging to cover material costs
(i.e., price by the cubic inch or gram for 3-D printing materials.
Answered No N=1
So far no, but if students print multiple projects and use filament quickly, we will ask them to purchase their own spools
of sanctioned PLA.
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