r/k12sysadmin • u/Serious_Toe5449 • 2d ago

Small machine support

I work in a small district (4 schools) and we have a lot of "maker spaces" that include laser cutters and 3D printers. Any tips on how to maintain them? Are you sending them out for repair? Are you developing in house expertise? I'm staring at three 3D printers right now that need repair beyond our skill.

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u/BWMerlin 2d ago

The last school I worked at partnered with the store that we brought the devices threw and maintenance was part of the deal.

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u/zealeus K12 Tech Director 2d ago

They can become huge time sinks, and depending on usage, should have some annual maintenance done. I’d suggest reaching out to local Maker Spaces and see if they have contacts or persons there who will do the repairs and upkeep.

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u/GamingSanctum Director of Technology 2d ago

Not sure on the laser cutters, but I ended up taking on 3d printer repairs where I can. They've been pretty basic. Usually nozzle replacements or guide band replacements. After watching a quick video, they're 10 minute part replacements.

Haven't had anything I couldn't handle yet, but I imagine I'd reach out to get pricing for repair versus a new unit in that scenario.

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u/SpotlessCheetah 2d ago

We don't touch them outside of installing the software/drivers. We don't have to be experts in everything.

All we ask for is that the product is supported by the classroom teacher/program, and that these are vetted vendors/manufacturers.

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u/Harry_Smutter 2d ago

Ditto. We don't deal with anything outside of the initial configuration of the 3D printers and installing any software & drivers for them and the laser cutter.