auto_layout · Formlabs Local MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What auto_layout does on Formlabs Local

AI agents invoke auto_layout to trigger actions in Formlabs Local. What it does depends on the arguments the agent supplies, and its effects often reach beyond the immediate call — builds kicked off, notifications sent, workflows started.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why auto_layout needs a policy

The tool executes an automated operation on external hardware (Formlabs 3D printer) that arranges physical objects on a build platform. This is Execute rather than Write because it triggers a real-world physical operation with effects that depend on the arguments provided and cannot be trivially undone without manual intervention.

From the tool's definition 'Arrange models on the build platform' - this triggers automatic layout operations on physical hardware (SLA printers), which is a side-effect-bearing operation whose outcome depends on model arguments and printer state.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

auto_layout Rate-limited

auto_layout stays usable, but rate-capped — a runaway agent can't fire it dozens of times a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "auto_layout": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "auto_layout_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 10,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

RATE-LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Formlabs Local, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about auto_layout

What does the auto_layout tool do? +

Arrange models on the build platform. SLA printers only (Form 4, Form 3, etc.). It is categorised as a Execute tool in the Formlabs Local MCP Server, which means it can trigger actions or run processes. Use rate limits and argument validation.

How do I enforce a policy on auto_layout? +

Register the Formlabs Local MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for auto_layout: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Formlabs Local. Nothing to install.

What risk level is auto_layout? +

auto_layout is a Execute tool with high risk. Execute tools should be rate-limited and have argument validation enabled.

Can I rate-limit auto_layout? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the auto_layout rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block auto_layout completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for auto_layout. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides auto_layout? +

auto_layout is provided by the Formlabs Local MCP server (mkebiclioglu/formlabs-local-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.