Adobe Illustrator is a graphics software that can be used to create or edit 2D images. you can use it with a vinyl cutter, laser cutter, and many more machines. We used it to make a custom keychain and to cut our names with vinyl for our notebooks. I learned how to navigate and use Adobe Illustrator and how to use a laser cutter and vinyl cutter. I learned different ways illustrator can be used for,and applied to projects.
Keychain
STEP 1. create a new project, go into the setting and make the dimension 2.75 x 1.75 then switch the color to RGB.
STEP 2. After you create your project, make a rectangle as big as you would like in the white space. The on the corners round them out with the given tool.
STEP 3. change the color of the line to RED.This will signify that you want this area cut out, not engraved.
STEP 4. Add in a circle for the loop of your key chain. make this RED as well. Make sure it is .2 inches in diameter.
STEP 5. Change the thickness of the line to .0001
STEP 6. Add in the text that you want with the text button and in the right side of the screen, choose the font that you want yours in.
STEP 7. position the text in your preferred way.
STEP 8. Find an image on the internet. make sure you search "BLACK AND WHITE CLIPART" after the image you want. then copy the image. right click and select copy.
STEP 9. Go back into illustrator and paste in your image (Ctrl+V)
STEP 10. Click on the settings bullon in the top left and then in the advanced section, click "INGNORE WHITE"
STEP 11. Adjust the picture to size on your rectangle Then click the expand button (Top Left)
STEP 12. Make any other minor adjustments to your project and then get ready to send it off to the engraver.
STEP 13. After your designed keychain is done, go into file and hit print. then go into the settings. Click continue if a message shows up.
STEP 14. in the setting click on the preferences button
STEP 15. Select the type of plastic you are using for your project. i am using extruded acrylic. the change the thickness in needed. once everything if correct hit apply and then print. once the print men shows up adjust the picture as needed
Vinyl Cutting
In this project i used Illustrator to make a vinyl decal of my name for my designer notebook.
STEP 1. Cut out the printed Vinyl strip with your name on it and put some painters tape over it
STEP 2. smooth it out and make sure there is no creases in it
STEP 3. Lift up the outside of the vinyl. this will leave the letter on the painters tape
STEP 4. use tools if needed to take out the insides of letters
STEP 5. Stick your decal onto whatever you want. in my case, my notebook.
STEP 6. Slowly peel away. The vinyl is stickier that the tape so it will stick o the notebook.