Wiki source code of Credits and Pricing

Version 1.1 by Alex Troyer on 2025/05/28 18:26

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Alex Troyer 1.1 1 == The Reservation Credits System ==
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3 Reservations in the Rapid Prototyping Studio are charged on a per-hour usage basis. We do not currently have the ability to charge directly, so we use a credits-based system. If you don't have enough credits in your account, you will not be able to make a reservation.
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5 * There are credit budgets for Personal, Academic, and Research usage
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7 |=Credit Type|=Budget
8 |Personal|- 15 free credits per semester for MEEN students
9 - 15 free credits per semester for those in MEEN courses
10 |Academic|- Based on professor/course/assignment
11 - Professor is main point of contact
12 - **CAPSTONE:** Unlimited (within reason)
13 |Research|- Can use personal budget if you wish until empty
14 - Purchase orders through iLabs
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16 * Credits can be purchased for 1 credit = $1.00 at our [[online store>>url:https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products?storeCatalog=5754]] if more is needed
17 * Credits are non-refundable in most cases
18 * Credits do not expire except upon graduation
19 * Credits can also be transferred to other students upon request.
20 * For more information on specific use cases and how reserve equipment, please read [[Using the Space>>url:https://wiki.rapidprototypingstudio.com/en/Using_The_Space]]
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22 We hope this guide helps you understand our pricing structure and plan your projects accordingly. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to RPS staff.
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24 == Reservation Costs ==
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26 When you reserve a machine, the cost is determined by the type of machine and the duration of your reservation. Our pricing reflects the upkeep and maintenance required to keep our equipment in top working condition. In the case of some equipment such as 3D Printers, it also includes the average cost of material used per hour of printing. Given that 1 credit is equal to $1.00, here are the reservation costs for our most popular machines:
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29 === Fabrication Equipment ===
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31 * **3D Scanners (all types): FREE!** (training still required)
32 * **Vacuum Former: FREE!** (training still required)
33 * **Sandblasting Cabinet: FREE!** (training still required)
34 * **Ultrasonic Cleaner: FREE!** (training still required)
35 * **CO2 Laser Cutter**: $1.00 per hour
36 * **3D Printer (Filament)**: $1.75 per hour
37 * **3D Printer (MSLA Resin)**: $2.75 per hour
38 * **3D Printer (SLS Nylon 12 Powder)**: $3.00 per hour
39 * **3D Printer (PEEK Filament)**: $6.50 per hour
40 * **WAZER Waterjet Cutter**: $15.00 per hour
41 * **CNC Router**: $15.00 per hour
42 * **Plasma Cutter**: $15.00 per hour
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44
45 === Testing Equipment ===
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47 * **Hardness Tester (Rockwell)**: $5.00 per hour
48 * **Hardness Tester (Vickers/Knoop)**: $5.00 per hour
49 * **Cress Double Furnace**: $5.00 per hour
50 * **Environmental Testing Chamber**: $5.00 per hour
51 * **Fume Hood for Non-Corrosive Chemicals**: $5.00 per hour
52 * **Sample Polishing Machine**: $5.00 per hour
53 * **VHX-600 Digital Video Microscope**: $5.00 per hour
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55 == Purchasing Materials ==
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57 In addition to machine reservation costs, you may need to purchase materials for your projects. We offer a wide range of materials for sale in our [[online store>>url:https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products?storeCatalog=5754]].