MultiMaker Lab

This lab enhances Library support for UAH by providing the opportunity for the exploration, design and creation of new technologies, concepts, and objects. This includes 3D printing services that are available for use by all current UAH faculty, staff, and students. The following policies ensure that the lab best meets the educational needs and promotes the success of the students, faculty, and researchers at UAH.

3D Printing Restrictions

Any files submitted for 3D printing must be approved by lab personnel prior to the files being printed. Patrons may print any object to be used for research and education purposes with the following exceptions:

  • No weapons, weapon accessories, or weapon components;
  • No objects that resemble weapons or weapon accessories;
  • No illegal objects;
  • No copyrighted objects or any other objects that violate patents and trademarks:
  • No items involving the UAH logo and other identity graphics printed without written approval of the UAH Office of Marketing and Communications:
  • No items printed for commercial purposes.
  • No items violating the UAH Code of Student Conduct.

Copyright, Patent, and Intellectual Property

Items created in the Library MultiMaker Lab and the user's individual rights extended to those items may be subject to the University Copyright Policy, the University Patent Policy, and/or the University Intellectual property Policy. These policies may be found at https://www.uah.edu/policies

It is the responsibility of the patron to check the copyright status of any item or piece of content not created by them that they use or print in the MultiMaker Lab and/or in any projects they create in the lab, and to verify that they use any such item in compliance with federal, state, and other related copyright laws. It is not the responsibility of personnel in the MultiMaker Lab or any other Library personnel.

Fees, fines, and payment

Fines and fees are charged to cover the material costs for 3D / Poster printing, to ensure prompt return of equipment, and to cover the replacement of lost or damaged equipment. 

Fees are collected at the time of 3D / Poster print job approval.

Fees apply to all print jobs and all patrons; there are no educational or academic waivers or discounts.

MultiMaker Lab items that are checked out and then returned in the wrong location (User Services Desk, exterior book drop, etc.) may also cause a fine to be generated.

Payments can be made at the User Services Desk using any accepted forms of payment (FLEX account, credit card, etc.).

In the event of a failed print job due either to equipment failure or to MultiMaker Lab staff error, the Lab may be able to offer either a reprint (at no additional cost) or an account credit (that can be used towards a future print job). 

  • Failed print jobs caused by file errors or design flaws will not be eligible for this consideration. 
  • Refunds are not available.

Damage to Equipment or Supplies

If the printer, equipment, or any component of the MultiMaker Lab is damaged during use, the patron will be held liable for damages due to improper use. If the patron is a student, necessary action may be taken according to the procedures outlined in the UAH Student Handbook at the discretion of the MultiMaker Lab personnel.

If a malfunction occurs, patrons should contact MultiMaker Lab personnel promptly

Patrons will not be held accountable for routine errors such as printer jams or breakdowns caused by expected wear and tear or equipment malfunction. However, if a patron pushes past an error that results in more extensive damage. such as forcibly removing a piece of equipment or material and causing greater damage, the patron will be held liable for damages. If the patron is a student, necessary action may be taken according to the procedures outlined in the UAH Student Handbook at the discretion of the MultiMaker Lab personnel.

In exchange for use of the printer, equipment, and MultiMaker Lab, patron agrees to pay for any damage or loss of items or equipment and will accept the MultiMaker Lab personnel and/or Library staff’s assessment of fair restitution for damage, delinquency, and/or loss of items in part or total. The exact amount of restitution may vary depending on the extent of the damage.

Lab Computer Use

All computers in the lab are available to current UAH students, faculty, and staff and are subject to the Library and/or University computer use policies. These policies may be found at https://www.uah.edu/policies and at https://www.uah.edu/library/about/library-policies. Additionally, each piece of software on the computer may be subject to additional terms and conditions by the software’s creator.

Recording & Presentation Practice Room

The Library also provides this resource as a place to collaborate, create, learn, practice, and explore. It has the equipment, software, and space for UAH students, faculty, and researchers to create, record, or practice presentations, videos, audio, and much more. The space has been professionally treated with both fixed and moveable sound-absorption equipment, to ensure high-quality audio recordings. More information about this resource – including a link to reserve the room in advance – may be found at https://www.uah.edu/library/services/recording-presentation-practice-room.

Interested users may check out the key for this room at the User Services desk. Note that, if not returned by the due time, a late fee may be added to the patron’s account. 

If any of the equipment in the room is damaged during use, the patron will be held liable for damages if his or her negligence or intentional action caused the damage. If the patron is a student, necessary action may be taken according to the procedures outlined in the UAH Student Handbook at the discretion of Library personnel.

If a malfunction occurs with the equipment in the room, patrons should contact the User Services personnel promptly.

The computer and equipment in the room is available to current UAH students, faculty, and staff and are subject to the Library and/or University computer use policies. These policies may be found at https://www.uah.edu/policies. Additionally, each piece of software on the computer may be subject to additional terms and conditions by the software’s creator.

Self-Service 3D Printing

If the Library has sufficient 3D Printers available for use, they may designate certain older units as available for self-service 3D printing.

Self-service 3D printing is not monitored by Lab personnel. Printers are available on a first-come first-serve basis, and patrons are asked to only use one printer at a time. Patrons are responsible for starting, monitoring, and removing their prints.

Filament is not provided for self-service 3D printing; the patron must supply their own supplies. The only acceptable types of filament are PLA, PETG, TPU, and PVA. No other types of filament may be used.

It is the responsibility of the patron:

  • To confirm that their design does not violate the 3D Printing Restrictions given above,
  • To check the copyright status of any item or piece of content not created by them that they use or print and/or in any projects they create, and
  • To verify that they use any such item in compliance with federal, state, and other related copyright laws. 
  • These are not the responsibility of personnel in the MultiMaker Lab or any other Library personnel.

Adjustments

MultiMaker Lab personnel will routinely evaluate practices, costs, and capabilities. This evaluation process will be used to adjust prices and policies to reflect actual use and costs of materials and equipment and to identify future services and equipment for the MultiMaker Lab.

At any point when costs are revised, any outstanding services (e.g., print jobs already submitted, media equipment already checked out, etc.) will be subject to the costs in effect at the time when those services were initiated.

Administration and Compliance

Violations of the use of the MultiMaker Lab that constitute a breach of the Student Code of Conduct, the Faculty Handbook, the Staff Handbook, or University policies will be referred to appropriate University authorities.

Updated May 7, 2025