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
Color codes
In order for the machine to know what you want done, your vector image must have certain specialities.
In short
RED is for cutting
BLUE is for vector engraving ( the laser will follow a vector path and engrave a line )
BLACK is for vector engraving ( the laser will engrave line by line your image, pretty much like a printer, therefore on a larger scale this is very time consuming )
Stroke and fill
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