Skip to content
The Fab Lab

Shop Standards & SOP

Document Purpose:
This SOP defines the software, hardware, and workflow standards for the shop. It ensures consistency, quality, and safety across all operations.

Scope:
Applies to anyone who uses the shop’s machines, software, and file management systems.

Responsibilities:
Staff are responsible for ensuring compliance, maintenance, and training.

1. Software Standards

Section titled “1. Software Standards”

1.1 3D Modeling (CAD)

Section titled “1.1 3D Modeling (CAD)”

  • Primary Software: Fusion 360

  • Secondary / Legacy Software: SolidWorks

  • File Formats: .f3d, .step, .iges

  • Modeling Standards:

  • Units: [mm/in]

  • Naming convention: [LastName/ProjectName_Part_Version]

1.2 3D Printing – FDM

Section titled “1.2 3D Printing – FDM”

  • Slicer:

  • Bambu Studio for Bambu Lab printers

  • IdeaMaker for Raise3D E2 printer

  • Filament Standards: 

  • Approved brands only, confirm with staff if using personal filament

  • Print Approval Process: 

  • Printers available on first come first serve basis

  • FOR THE FUTURE: long prints started to go over night

  • Filament Inventory: 

  • 3dfilamentprofiles.com
    (set to custom link - staff)

1.3 3D Printing – SLA / Resin

Section titled “1.3 3D Printing – SLA / Resin”

  • Slicer Software:

  • Elegoo SatelLite for Elegoo Printer

  • PreForm for Formlabs 3

  • Supported Printers: 

  • Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16k

  • Formlabs 3

  • Resin Types: 

  • Elegoo Standard Density 1.150 (unsure of the other approved resins; this is what is currently in the printer)

  • Formlabs official resins - tough, durable, clear, and flexible on lab stock

  • Post-Processing: Wash → Cure → Remove Supports → Sand → Finish/Paint

  • PPE Requirements: Gloves, goggles, ventilation, etc.

1.4 3D Scanning

Section titled “1.4 3D Scanning”

  • Scanner software: Creality Scan 4

  • Post-Processing Software: Any mesh processor/editor (Ex. Blender)

  • File Formats: .OBJ, .STL, .3MF

  • Accuracy Standards: Smallest listed tolerance: 0.2mm

1.5 CNC (Mill / Router / Lathe)

Section titled “1.5 CNC (Mill / Router / Lathe)”

  • CAM Software: Autodesk Fusion 360 (Manufacturing Extension optional), CarveraCAM

    • Control Software: Carvera Controller Community Edition

  • Supported Machines: Carvera

  • File Formats: Carvera only processes .nc files

  • Tool Library Standards: Download from [@ CNC Mill Folder]

1.6 Laser Cutter

Section titled “1.6 Laser Cutter”

  • Design Software: [Name]

  • File Formats: [Accepted formats]

  • Materials: [Approved / prohibited]

  • Focus & Power Presets: [Values per material]

  • Ventilation & Safety Rules: [Requirements]

1.7 Pick-and-Place / Part Placer

Section titled “1.7 Pick-and-Place / Part Placer”

  • Control Software: N/A

  • File Formats: CSV

  • Feeder Standards: Placing component on the origin the same as in the design

  • PCB Setup: [Fiducials, alignment]

1.8 Solder Reflow Oven

Section titled “1.8 Solder Reflow Oven”

  • Control Software: [Name]

  • Reflow Profiles: [Temperature and time]

  • Supported Paste Types: [Lead-free, etc.]

  • PCB Size Limitations: [Max/min dimensions]

1.9 Electronics Design

Section titled “1.9 Electronics Design”

  • Schematic / PCB Software: [Name]

  • Library Management: [Standards for symbols & footprints]

  • Naming & Revision: [Rules for versioning]

  • DRC / ERC Requirements: [Checks before manufacturing]

2. File Management & Documentation

Section titled “2. File Management & Documentation”

2.1 File Sharing & Storage

Section titled “2.1 File Sharing & Storage”

  • Platform: Google Drive

  • Access Permissions: Staff can edit, users can view, upload and export to machines

  • External Sharing Rules: check with staff for method

2.2 File Naming Conventions

Section titled “2.2 File Naming Conventions”

  • Project folders: [ProjectName]

  • CAD files: [ProjectName_Part_Version.f3d]

  • CAM files: [ProjectName_Machine_Version.nc]

  • Documentation: [ProjectName_DocType_Dates

3. Hardware & Machine Standards

Section titled “3. Hardware & Machine Standards”

3.1 Machine Booking / Usage

Section titled “3.1 Machine Booking / Usage”

  • Reservation System: [Tool / calendar]

  • Time Limits: [Max per user per day]

  • Cleanup Requirements: [Remove scraps, wipe surfaces]

3.2 Maintenance & Calibration

Section titled “3.2 Maintenance & Calibration”

  • Responsible Party: [Name / Role]

  • Schedule: [Weekly, monthly, quarterly]

  • Logging: [Form / software]

3.3 Consumables Management

Section titled “3.3 Consumables Management”

  • Filament: Free to grab (report when empty)

  • Resin: Free to grab (if you are comfortable with SLA printing and handling Resin)

  • End mills / bits: Free to grab (Report if broken)

  • Laser materials: Check out from staff

  • Solder paste: Free to grab

  • Anything on the open rack is free to grab, otherwise it must be checked out with staff

4. Safety Standards

Section titled “4. Safety Standards”

4.1 General Shop Safety

Section titled “4.1 General Shop Safety”

  • General PPE Required: close-toed shoes, non-loose fitting clothing and jewelry

  • Laser PPE Required: [idk guys can yall fill this in]

  • Emergency Procedures: [Exits, fire extinguishers, first aid]

4.2 Machine-Specific Safety

Section titled “4.2 Machine-Specific Safety”

  • CNC: [Hazard zones, interlocks]

  • Laser Cutter: [Eye protection, ventilation] (Add more here)

  • SLA Printing: [Gloves, respirator, resin handling]

  • Soldering / Reflow: [Fume extraction, heat hazards]

4.3 Chemical Handling

Section titled “4.3 Chemical Handling”

  • Resins / Solvents: [Storage, handling]

  • Flux / Cleaners: [Disposal, PPE]

  • Waste Disposal: [Hazardous / non-hazardous procedures]

5.1 Measurement Tools

Section titled “5.1 Measurement Tools”

  • Calipers, micrometers, gauges (micrometers not available rn)

  • Calibration frequency: [Weekly / monthly] (once a semester maybe, I mean we don’t have gauge blocks…)

5.2 Training & Onboarding

Section titled “5.2 Training & Onboarding”
  • Not needed at the moment