Innovation Lab Policies

Overview

The Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab exists to support collaborative learning, experimentation, prototyping, and community building. We provide access to tools, technologies, and space that enable visitors to apply their creative skills and bring new ideas to life.

The Innovation Lab is open to all K-State students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.

Minors and the Community

Members of the community are welcome to use the equipment in the Innovation Lab. We follow the Policy for the Protection of Minor Children Participating in University Programs policies and K-State Libraries Policies and Procedures.

Some areas of the Innovation Lab contain chemicals, tools, and equipment that can cut, burn, and pose other hazards. In these spaces, children age 12 and under must be supervised by a parent or gaurdian at all times.

The Innovation Lab does not filter or monitor computer usage.

Safety

Maintaining a safe environment is a priority. Use of the Innovation Lab is guided by Kansas State University regulations and by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

Failure to adhere to safety requirements may result in immediate suspension of the activity and may lead to restriction of access to the space or equipment. If you are unsure how to safely use equipment, tools, or materials, consult with a staff member.

User Responsibility and Risk

Visitors use the Innovation Lab at their own risk. By using the space and its equipment, you acknowledge the potential hazards associated with tools, materials, and chemicals. Innovation Lab staff provide guidance and support, but ultimate responsibility for safe use rests with each user.

Conduct and Shared Space

All visitors are expected to use the Innovation Lab respectfully. This includes sharing equipment, cleaning up after use, and following posted safety instructions. Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in restricted access.

Materials and Equipment Safety

Visitors may bring personal materials to use in the Innovation Lab. Any chemicals, adhesives, or other materials must be handled safely, and waste should be disposed of appropriately. Ask staff if you are unsure about proper handling or disposal.

For your safety, visitors are encouraged to follow basic protective practices when using tools and equipment:

  • Wear closed-toed shoes in areas with power tools or sharp objects.
  • Tie back long hair and secure loose clothing or jewelry.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the lab. Some PPE is readily available, and additional or specialized supplies may be requested from staff as needed.

If equipment is malfunctioning, damaged, or presents a safety hazard, report it to Innovation Lab staff immediately. Do not attempt to repair high-risk equipment on your own.

First-Aid and Emergency Contacts

First-aid kits are available in the Makerspace and Fabspace. If someone is injured or in distress, notify Innovation Lab staff immediately. Staff can assist and guide visitors to proper care, and in serious situations contact the K-State Police Department at 785-532-6414 or dial 911.

Creation

Commercial Use

Commercial use or mass production is not permitted. Prototyping, experimentation, and testing are welcome. If you have an entreprenurial idea you would like to explore, staff are happy to help.

Personal Projects

Personal projects are permitted and encouraged. During periods of high demand, Innovation Lab resources may be prioritized for academic research and course-related projects. Reasonable limits may be applied to personal use of consumable materials as needed.

University Projects

Work on course assignments, class projects, senior design, student organization builds, research prototypes, and other university-related projects is supported and encouraged.

No limits are placed on consumables used for these projects; however, excessive use may be monitored and addressed as needed to ensure continued availability of shared resources.

Materials, Cost Sharing, and Donations

Many projects in the Innovation Lab make use of consumable materials (e.g., 3D printer filament, wood, fabric, and other supplies). We strive to keep commonly used materials on hand.

For projects requiring specialized or hard-to-find materials, visitors are encouraged to bring their own.

The Innovation Lab and its visitors benefit from donations, as consumable materials and equipment represent a significant cost. Please consult with Innovation Lab staff prior to making a donation.

The Innovation Lab reserves the right to refuse donations and to remove donated items that are no longer useful. Donors are responsible for assigning a value to their donation.

Accepted donations include:

  • Fabric, thread, and yarn
  • Scissors, glue, and crafting supplies
  • Scrapbooking materials
  • Sheet wood and acrylic panels
  • LEGO and STEM kits
  • Computers, radios, test equipment and electronics components
  • Tools and shop equipment
  • Nuts and bolts
  • 3D printer filament and resin

Equipment policies

3D Printers

  • Please work with Innovation Lab staff to print items.
  • During peak usage periods, personal prints may be paused to accommodate course-related projects. Consult with staff if a project is research-related and time-sensitive.
  • Items that violate local, state, or federal law, or that are prohibited by Kansas State University policy, are not permitted.
  • Projects involving weapons, weapon components, items resembling weapons, or potentially offensive or explicit content are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Approval may depend on the project’s purpose (e.g., academic, research, instructional, artistic), applicable university policies, and safety considerations.
  • Innovation Lab staff manage all resin-based 3D printing, including printer operation, print submission, removal, and curing.
  • Innovation Lab staff reserve the right to decline or modify print requests that present safety, legal, or policy concerns.

Lasercutters

  • Do not cut, engrave, or score materials of unknown composition, highly mirrored surfaces, or materials known to be flammable.
  • Don't leave a lasercutter unattended while in operation.

Cricut and Vinyl Cutting

  • Avoid using content or designs that may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.
  • Do not leave the heat press unattended while in operation.

IT Equipment Checkout

  • Information about IT Equipment Checkout is available here.

Recording Studios

  • Food and drink are not permitted in the studio rooms or vestibule area, except water in containers with a secure closure.
  • Users are responsible for saving and backing up their own files.
  • Requests for additional software may be submitted for consideration.
  • Hardware reconfiguration is not permitted. Do not unplug cables. Please contact Innovation Lab staff if assistance is required.

Sewing Machines and Sewing Tools

  • Needles and pins are used in this area. For safety reasons, please do not bring food, open drink containers, or small children into the Makerspace.
  • When finished, return all tools to the wall, check the workspace for sharp items, and dispose of scraps appropriately. Return machines to their standard setup (eg. re-thread with white thread, cover the machine, and unplug).

Feedback & Continuous Improvement

We aim to improve policies continuously based on your feedback. Please contact Innovation Lab leadership with suggestions for improving the use and operation of the space.