Making vector files for lasercutting in illustrator aka making use of your adobe

So we will be also visiting illustrator!
It is one possible tool to make your vector files for lasercutting.
It is also available on all machines in the Academy.
So far so good!

Preparing a vector file for the lasercutter in Adobe Illustrator

RBG document

Make sure your illustrator document is in RGB mode!
That you set when making a new document, look for Color Mode.
You can also change it after you have created a new document, or change the color mode of an existing one by going trough the menu File ---> Document Color Mode ---> RGB Color

When at the Machine=

• Download Using the Laser Cutter, the manual we have at the station.
• The maximum size of your material is 30x60 cm.

Forbidden materials (amongst onthers)

• MDF (can be cut at the Material Station)
• Rubber
• Imitation leather
• PVC
• Vinyl
• Anything containing chlorides
• Always ask if unsure!

Want to know your material?

• Do the Burn Test
• Or, for detecting chlorides, use the Beilstein Test

Techniques

• Custom designed Makercase
• Slicing 3d models for laser cutting with 123D Make
• Convert 3d models into 2d layouts with Papakura