Fair Usage Policy

The use of all equipment, machines and tools by our Members are covered by this Fair Usage policy.

Popular and expensive equipment will have specific fair usage policy sections to limit an individual monopolising them for a long time period. This is done via an online Booking system. If there is no booking for these pieces of equipment then a member can use it until it is next booked.

It is hoped that friendly and open communication face to face will allow the members to self manage machine usage without conflict.

For your membership fee it is expected that there is a fair usage of the equipment and tools. Those who have excessive weekly attendance and continual usage of equipment, which prevents other members using them, will be asked to increase their Membership contribution to an amount that is fair and commensurate. The committee will monitor equipment and suggest a fair usage membership fee.

Fair use rules

AMS supplies many items and consumables for use by members in their personal projects, as well as space activities. Use of some of these incur a charge, some a discretionary donation, and others are free.

1. Members can buy and use as many chargeable items as they wish.

2. Discretionary donations are on a “Pay what it is worth to you” basis, but members are encouraged to consider the retail value of similar items when making a donation.

3. Using excessive amounts of discretionary donation and free to use items can affect the ability of other members to effectively use the space. Every member must manage their use of these items to ensure others have access to them. Discretionary / free to use items should not be taken home for personal use. They are to be used in the space on your projects.

4. Excessive use can also be considered as repeated use of the same items over a longer period of time, resulting in the same member finishing or disposing of a spent item.

5. Where members have planned a project that requires free to use consumables (e.g. glue, abrasive papers, or angle grinder discs) they should bring their own items, or make an appropriate donation to cover their use.

6. Discretionary donation items are not stocked items and may not be replenished by the space in the future.

7. Members must inform the relevant team, Team Lead or the Committee members when free to use or chargeable items require replenishment.

8. Use of all items will be monitored by the relevant teams, Team Lead and the Committee members. Members will be warned, temporarily banned, or permanently banned if this fair use policy is not followed, as well as when non-compliance is repeated.

9. Defunct equipment is only made available at the discretion of the Committee and in conversation with them. Removal of space owned equipment and supplies without consent will be considered theft.

10. AMS projects for the benefit of the Team areas have unlimited free use of items in any category.

Chargeable items

The items listed below incur a usage charge, unless the use is specifically for space projects or maintenance. The charges vary and are displayed adjacent to the item storage locations. Payment is expected through Fabman, our online membership operating system and will be collected by Direct Debit in the following month.

CO2 Laser time
3d printer filament
Printing
10 needle Embroidery machine
Long Arm Quilting Machine
Enamelling supplies
Items in the Supplies area (payment via the Management system using your MSA Fob)

Discretionary donation items

Many consumable type items or materials are donated to AMS by members or the public, or have been sourced by the organisation. AMS does not always purchase these, but they are intended to make it easier for members to do projects or to improve the space. It is expected that users of these items will pay for them on a discretionary basis (donating a sum they believe is suitable) when using them in their personal projects. Donations should be made using the online Fabman Management system.

Examples of these items are:

Fabric and Thread
Electronics components, wire, etc
Wood
Metal
Acrylic plastic
Paint and chemicals, including epoxy
Screws and hardware
Defunct equipment that the trustees have deemed to be surplus to requirements and not saleable (these will be advertised on the notice boards).

Free to use items Items such as those listed below are deemed to be free to use (this list is not exhaustive). They are purchased by AMS to ensure that members can complete projects, use equipment that requires consumables, and maintain the space.

Cleaning products and equipment
Superglue, wood glue, and tapes
Abrasives, blades, and drill bits (sand paper, grinding disks and wheels, knife blades, etc)
Solder, flux, etc
Lubricating oils for machinery
Drill bits
Welding rods and shielding gases

The following rules apply to use of equipment and computers within the AMS.

Making and manufacturing: users must not manufacture inappropriate or illegal creations while using makerspace equipment. Any user who is unsure whether an item would contravene this policy should seek staff guidance.

This includes but is not limited to:

Hateful or prejudiced iconography.
Any kind of weapon or implement designed to cause harm.

Use of computing resources is a privilege that depends on individuals using the resources appropriately and in accordance with AMS policies and UK laws. These laws and policies cover such areas as illegal access to computer systems, networks, and files, copyright, and harassment issues.

At times, the demand for equipment and computer usage could exceed availability. You are asked to be sensitive to the needs of others and limit equipment and computer use during times of heavy demand. AMS may take additional steps to regulate equipment and computer use, such as requiring reservations and setting time limits.

Users should demonstrate respect for individuals’ rights to privacy and freedom from intimidation or harassment. You are asked to be sensitive to the fact that some on-screen images, sounds, or messages create an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment for others. AMS may take steps to maintain an environment conducive to its intended uses.

Use of computers for recreational purposes such as game playing is considered lower priority than using these workstations for supporting design and fabrication activities. AMS may intervene to ensure optimal access to computers for these purposes.

We welcome the use of laptops and other personal computing devices in AMS. Users may connect personal equipment only to the wireless network, or to ports designated for such use. Use of personal equipment, such as extension, adaptor, or power cords must not pose a safety hazard for others.

Specific equipment Fair usage section

Large CO2 laser

A member will be able to book a 2 hour slot up to 1 week in advance.
Do not leave the laser unattended whilst in use.

10 needle Embroidery machine

A member will be able to book a 2 hour slot up to 1 week in advance.

Long Arm Quilter

A member will be able to book a 4 hour slot up to 1 week in advance.

CNC Router

A member will be able to book a 4 hour slot up to 1 week in advance.

Messy Room Kiln

The small enamelling kiln will be available to book in a 4 hour slot up to 1 week in advance.

3D Printers

A member will be able to book an 8 hour slot, up to 1 week in advance.
Do not remove filament or sd cards that don’t belong to you
Remove prints as soon as possible after they finish. If you find a print is cool and hasn’t been removed it’s okay to remove it
members can self organise to borrow filament and remove prints for each other.
Remove your filament and sd card once your printing is done and tidy up your area.
Do not leave printers unattended.
1 member using 2 or more printers at the same time is not permitted.
Do not use the printers to create illegal items, weapons or “adult toys” . Cosplay weapons/Nerf are allowed
The space does not guarantee the availability of printers
No unattended prints longer than 7 hours
No overnight unattended printing until safeguards are put in place