Skip to content

Print TA🔗

This section includes all the information regarding the elligibility and the responsibilites of a TA.

Eligibility🔗

Only undergraduate students who are already serving as Laser Cutting TAs are eligible to become 3D Printing TAs.
A TA qualification exam is conducted during the first semester of each academic year.

  • TA positions are limited by quota per grade level.
  • Selection is primarily open to first-year undergraduate students.
  • Generally, TA status continues until the student graduates, transfers, or withdraws from the department.
    • In cases were a TA has recieved multiple verified complaints, the TA status for said TA will be revoked.

Undergraduate TAs who advance to a graduate program within the department may retain their TA role, subject to approval by both the management faculty and the head 3D Printing TA.

Receiving a Print Request🔗

When a user submits a print request through the portal, both the user and the TA will receive an email with the request details. The TA should review the submitted files within a reasonable timeframe.

If there are issues with the models or project files, the TA must notify the user—preferably by replying to the email or using other appropriate communication methods—and request that the user resolve the issues.

Quotation and Scheduling🔗

Once the files are deemed printable, the TA must inform the user of the estimated cost and print time. The print job should only be scheduled after the user has paid the quoted amount.

Note

  • Quotations must be calculated based on the official method outlined in the regulations.
  • Include a buffer in the estimated print time to account for potential failures or delays.

Printing🔗

All TA print jobs must be added to the scheduling calendar. Networked printers are monitored and will automatically cancel any unscheduled prints.

Most TA printers are equipped with webcams. The TA should periodically monitor ongoing prints—either in person or via the webcam feed—to ensure proper progress. In the event of a failure, the TA must cancel and reprint the job promptly.

Note

  • Once the user has paid, no additional fees may be charged.
  • If printer issues cause delays or prevent the job from completing successfully, the TA must inform the user and issue a refund for any unprinted parts. The TA may still charge for completed portions. Prompt communication ensures the user has sufficient time to seek alternative fabrication options.

Incidents and Emergencies🔗

In the event of an incident, follow the procedures outlined in Incidents and Emergencies.

Concluding a Job🔗

Cleanup🔗

The TA is responsible for maintaining a clean work environment, including the printer area and surrounding floor. Remove any stray filament and dispose of failed prints appropriately.

Note

  • TAs are not required to remove support structures from the printed models, as the cost of supports is included in the quotation.
  • Exception: For resin prints, supports must be removed, and the print must be properly cleaned and cured before being handed over to the user.

Pickup🔗

Once printing is complete, the TA must notify the user to collect their print. The TA may either arrange a handoff time with the user or place the completed print on the pickup racks outside RB 910 for the user to retrieve at their convenience.

However, users are expected to collect their prints promptly. If prints are left unclaimed beyond the allowed time (as defined by the regulations), the TA is authorized to discard them at their discretion.