What is Adobe Illustrator? |
Adobe Illustrator is a software that we use to design a vector image. We can then transfer the image to a flash drive and then reproduce this image using the laser or vinyl cutter. Illustrator is an easy way to create any design you want because you can organize and design the image any way you want.
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Illustrator File for Laser
Final Illustrator Key Chain File
Step by Step for Laser
Step 3: Using the Focus Tool and Relocation tool, position your key chain image on laser software so that the laser will print your image on all of the plastic material.
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Step 4: Once you have checked that the laser will print on all of the plastic material, select the big green play button and watch the laser cut out your key chain.
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Final Results of Keychain!
Step by Step for a Vinyl Decal
Step 3: Once your decal has been cut by the vinyl cutter, use the weeding tool to remove the excess vinyl around your name.
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Step 4: Remove any vinyl inside of your name.
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Step 5: Apply transfer paper to your decal, and use the squeegee to press down the transfer paper to attach to your decal.
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Step 6: Remove the backing of the vinyl decal, and attach the transfer paper to your notebook, or wherever you wish to place your decal.
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Step 7: Remove the transfer paper, and your decal has been applied!
What I Learned from using Illustrator/Laser Cutting/Vinyl Cutting
After using Illustrator with the laser, I learned that you can create any image into a vector image. It was very cool that I could take any image off of the internet and engrave it into the extruded acrylic material. I learned that Illustrator and the laser correspond to specific colors (ex: red cuts and black engraves). Something I learned from the vinyl cutter was that it's important that you apply pressure when using the squeegee. I didn't apply enough pressure in some areas, so the transfer tape didn't stick to the decal. I had to go back and use the squeegee again. So far, I think that the laser is my favorite machine because of how quickly and accurately I can reproduce an image on the material.