What is illustrator?
Illustrator is a 2D vector design software. It is used to create artwork that uses a laser or a vinyl cutter. It uses vectors insteeed of pixels ao that the image can have its size manipulated and still look the same.
How to use the laser
- Create the illustrator file
- Hit print
- Go to preferences
- Input the type of material and its thickness
- Click OK
- Turn on the laser and the exhaust fan
- Put the material in the laser
- Use the focus tool to make sure that the entire image is being cut out
- Hit the green play button
- Watch the laser until it finishes to make sure nothing starts on fire
Final product
How to make a vinyl decal
- Turn on the vinyl cutter
- Load the vinyl
- Select "Roll-1 front set"
- Press enter
- Go to Illustrator and select the item to cut out
- Double-check to make sure that as little vinyl is being used as possible
- Hit send
- After it finishes cutting the vinyl use the blade to remove that part of the vinyl
- Weed the decal
- Place transfer tape over the weeded decal
- Use an applicator to add pressure
- Peel the backing off
- Place decal on item
- Use applicator to press down the decal
- peel back transfer tape at a 180 degree angle
Final product
Conclusion
Working with Illustrator really challenged my patience. There always seemed to be something I was doing wrong or didn't know how to fix. In the end I managed to have a really cool looking final product. Going forward I know that there will be plenty of times when I don't think a project is going to work out, but in the end things usually end up working out to make something that is pretty cool.