3D printers are an exciting technology that is increasingly available on campus and in the Museum. Multiple departments in the Museum have their own printers, including one that is sometimes used for printing as part of exhibits. As the prices continue to become more affordable, the Museum acquisition of 3D printers is increasing.

This trend is happening across campus, and UF has recently begun enforcing its 3D Printer Policy to protect everyone’s health and safety as the devices become more prevalent. The full policy is maintained by UF Environmental Health and Safety, is published at http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/programs/os/3d-printer-policy/, and was created in 2016. The policy articulates reasons and concerns, such as ensuring the printers are used in spaces with complete air exchange every 4 hours.

As part of enforcement, UF has now classified the purchase of 3D printers with pcards as conditional, meaning that even printers purchased on pcards must be pre-approved by EH&S. Previously, 3D printers inexpensive enough to purchase on a pcard were bypassing the EH&S policy. (Conditional items are published on the UF Procurement website at https://procurement.ufl.edu/uf-departments/procurement-cards-pcards/procedures/allowable/. )

We can still purchase 3D printers, but the process has become a little more complicated, so your help desk tickets to purchase one may take a little bit longer because they now must involve EH&S.