Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a program we use to draw up vector files to both laser engrave a variety of materials and to cut vinyl. This program can be used for artistic, graphic design, and personal purposes. These vector images are special because they use lines instead of pixels. This program can be used to use the laser and vinyl cutter. I will be using illustrator to design and cut out a design with 3 different colors of vinyl. Down below is the start of my first drawing.
How to Use Laser:
Transfer the file onto a flash drive and plug it into a computer and open it up. Click file print, and change the material accordingly. Hit apply, print, and then open the User Control Panel. Move pointer so that the image cuts in an area that is open and hit play. |
Using the Vinyl Cutter:
Line up the Vinyl with the notches. Type what you're going to print. Click file, cutting master, cut/plot, and print. Now that the vinyl is printed you can pull off the access vinyl and start picking out the extra. Apply the application tape and press it down so there are no bubbles. Peel the tape off exactly how you peeled the vinyl. The image should be stuck to it and you can put it on the poster and then peel it off. |
I learned how to use illustrator which was very similar to photo shop so it was fairly easy to pick up on because I have had a couple classes using photo shop before. I now know that illustrator can be used to laser engrave and cut vinyl. I also learned how to run the laser which I personally thing is the most complicated piece of machinery that we've used. I found out that a UCP stands for user control panel. I developed skills using application tape and transferring vinyl templates to poster board.