3D Printing Policy

I. Scope

This policy shall apply to all IWU employees, students, and visitors, for all IWU 3-D printers.

II. Policy Statement

All IWU employees, students, and guests desiring to utilize an IWU 3-D printer must abide by certain guidelines, which are outlined in the Procedures section of this policy.

III. Reason for the Policy

The breadth of 3-D printing possibilities makes it necessary to provide guidelines to ensure the legal, ethical, and safe use of the printers.

IV. Procedures

Objects to be printed:
1. May not be in violation of any federal, state, or local laws, or any applicable license or contract;
2. May not be in violation of any IWU rule or policy, including the Community Lifestyle Statement;
3. May not be weapons or weapon accessories, or any object that resembles a weapon or weapon accessory;
4. May not be part of a production print job (large numbers of identical objects), as opposed to rapid prototypes or one- off prints;
5. May not infringe upon intellectual property rights under copyright, patent, or trademark protection;
6. May not be used for commercial purposes or for personal financial gain; and,
7. May not be in conflict with IWU’s Community Lifestyle Standards or Wesleyan theology, except for legitimate academic or University purposes that have been approved in advance by the highest level administrator over the unit/individual requesting the 3-D print job.

The University reserves the right to refuse any 3-D print request and to immediately halt any printing operations at any time and at its sole discretion.

All printers must be installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements for safe use and with adequate ventilation.  Use of print media shall be in accordance with the media’s Safety Data Sheet, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), if applicable.

The University is not responsible for the functionality or quality of objects produced on any IWU 3-D printers.

V. Sanctions

Improper use of any IWU 3-D printer may result in forfeiture of the printed item and corrective action, up to and including termination of employment or loss of enrollment.

VI. Related Information

 

Policy on the Responsible Use of Information Technology Resources
Employee Internet Usage Policy
Policy on Computer Usage
Student Acceptable Technology Use Policy