What is Illustrator?
Illustrator is a software that allows the user to create 2D vector images. It uses equations rather than pixels to create images/shapes, therefore any image can be resized and it will still be clear. Illustrator is very versatile and can be applied to many different platforms like lasers and vinyl cutter.
Laser Keychain
Key Chain in Illustrator
Open the Illustrator file and go to print. Click on setup in the bottom left, then select preferences. Make sure the material selected is Extruded Acrylic and the thickness of your material is entered. Then select OK followed by print. This will send the Illustrator file to the laser software.
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Once in the laser software, start the laser with the red power button on the upper right of the screen (make sure the exhaust is turned on!!). Then position the vector image to line up with where your piece of material is in laser itself. Once you've double checked the laser won't go off the material, hit the big green play button (make sure the top of the laser is closed!!).
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Finished Key Chain
Vinyl Decal
Decal in Illustrator
Remove any part of the vinyl that you do not want to be applied to the surface. You may need to use a tool to get things off or to keep certain pieces down (ex. holes in letters).
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Apply transfer tape to the decal and use the squeegee to ensure good adhesion. Then remove the white backing the decal initially came on.
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Then apply the decal to the surface using the squeegee to ensure bonding with the surface. Lastly, remove the transfer tape.
Applied Vinyl Decal
What I learned...
I learned just how versatile Illustrator is. It can be applied to so many different machines, materials, projects, etc. I started working with Illustrator in Graphic Design but we never really made anything physical in that class. So while I didn't learn a lot of new information, I understand the software and its applications much better (although I did learn how to use the Laser and Vinyl Cutter).