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

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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.

Newfile.png Filesetup.png
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

ColorMode.png

Color and stroke

In order for the machine to know what you want done, your vector image must have certain specialities.
In short


RED is for cutting


  • Your desired object to cut (it's path) must be stroke, without any fill. The laser will cut all along the red line ( stroke).
  • The stroke must be set to 0,01 mm
  • The RED color must be with value 255



Cut.png


BLUE is for vector engraving

( the laser will follow a vector path and engrave a line )

  • Your desired object to engrave along a line (path) must be stroke, without any fill. The laser will engrave all along the blue line ( stroke).
  • The stroke must be set to 0,01 mm
  • The BLUE color must be with value 255



Engravevector.png



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 )

  • Your desired object to engrave inside a shape (path) must be fill, without any stroke. The laser will engrave inside the shape, line by line.
  • The BLACK color of the fill must be with value 255



Engraveraster.png

When at the Machine

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?

Techniques

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