Wiki source code of Credits and Pricing

Version 1.12 by Alex Troyer on 2025/05/29 15:42

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Alex Troyer 1.1 1 == The Reservation Credits System ==
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Alex Troyer 1.12 3 Reservations in the Rapid Prototyping Studio are charged on a **per-hour** usage basis, using a credits-based system. If you don't have enough credits in your account, you will not be able to make a reservation. Here are some quick facts about RPS Credits and how they work.
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Alex Troyer 1.12 5 * 1 Credit is worth $1.00, and can be purchased on our **[[online store>>url:https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products?storeCatalog=5754]]** if needed.
Alex Troyer 1.6 6 * Credits are non-refundable
Alex Troyer 1.12 7 * Credits do not expire, except upon graduation
Alex Troyer 1.11 8 * Credits can be transferred to other students upon request
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Alex Troyer 1.3 12 * There are credit budgets for Personal, Academic, and Research usage.
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14 |=Credit Type|=Budget
15 |Personal|- 15 free credits per semester for MEEN students
16 - 15 free credits per semester for those in MEEN courses
17 |Academic|- Based on professor/course/assignment
18 - Professor is main point of contact
19 - **CAPSTONE:** Unlimited (within reason)
20 |Research|- Can use personal budget if you wish until empty
21 - Purchase orders through iLabs
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Alex Troyer 1.5 23 * Credits can be purchased for $1.00 per credit on our **[[online store>>url:https://tamu.estore.flywire.com/products?storeCatalog=5754]]** if more is needed
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Alex Troyer 1.1 25 * 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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27 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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29 == Reservation Costs ==
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31 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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34 === Fabrication Equipment ===
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36 * **3D Scanners (all types): FREE!** (training still required)
37 * **Vacuum Former: FREE!** (training still required)
38 * **Sandblasting Cabinet: FREE!** (training still required)
39 * **Ultrasonic Cleaner: FREE!** (training still required)
40 * **CO2 Laser Cutter**: $1.00 per hour
41 * **3D Printer (Filament)**: $1.75 per hour
42 * **3D Printer (MSLA Resin)**: $2.75 per hour
43 * **3D Printer (SLS Nylon 12 Powder)**: $3.00 per hour
44 * **3D Printer (PEEK Filament)**: $6.50 per hour
45 * **WAZER Waterjet Cutter**: $15.00 per hour
46 * **CNC Router**: $15.00 per hour
47 * **Plasma Cutter**: $15.00 per hour
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50 === Testing Equipment ===
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52 * **Hardness Tester (Rockwell)**: $5.00 per hour
53 * **Hardness Tester (Vickers/Knoop)**: $5.00 per hour
54 * **Cress Double Furnace**: $5.00 per hour
55 * **Environmental Testing Chamber**: $5.00 per hour
56 * **Fume Hood for Non-Corrosive Chemicals**: $5.00 per hour
57 * **Sample Polishing Machine**: $5.00 per hour
58 * **VHX-600 Digital Video Microscope**: $5.00 per hour
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60 == Purchasing Materials ==
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62 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]].