Illustrator
Illustrator is a software used for graphic drawing using vector images rather than raster. Creators can make the vector images into logos, name decals, vinyl decals, and much more. On illustrator you can do all sorts of things but for our use right now we used it for making the key chain and vinyl decal for our designer notebooks.
Creating the Key Chain
Open Illustrator and begin with a new file. Make the dimensions 1.75" by 2.75" and make sure it is in inches, this is the work space given for the key chain
Also change the color to RGB under advanced, as this is what our lasers read and follow.
Once all the setup is complete after selecting Create Document, use the shape tool on the left side tool bar to create the outline of they key chain. I decided to use the rounded rectangle and oval, as straight edges can be sharp.
Also change the color to RGB under advanced, as this is what our lasers read and follow.
Once all the setup is complete after selecting Create Document, use the shape tool on the left side tool bar to create the outline of they key chain. I decided to use the rounded rectangle and oval, as straight edges can be sharp.
Use this key located on the handout to determine what kind of line you want and thickness it should be set at. The outside border and circle for the key hole of the key chain will be red.
Save the illustrator file on you H:Drive.
Using the Laser
First the laser starts by engraving the black/gray lines bottom to top as seen in the first picture. When everything on the image is engraved the laser cuts the red lines seen in the second picture. These are my two small key chains I made with the space provided. Once I got home i washed off the brown with soap and water and then they were clear.
Vinyl Cutter
We all started by entering our names into the space on illustrator. Mrs. Proctor loaded a roll of yellow vinyl into the vinyl machine, making sure that the rollers were on the specified grip areas. Then she used the buttons on the machine to measure the piece of vinyl. From there she decided on how to use the least amount of the vinyl on the print screen. Finally, the vinyl cutter cut out our decals.
After the decal is cut out pull off the background vinyl leaving the letters still on paper. Then take a dental tool to take out excess vinyl in certain letters such as the space in the "a". Once the letters are ready cut a piece of transfer tape and place it over the letters. Use a squeegee and press down to ensure that the letters will stick to the transfer tape. Then take off the back vinyl stick tape carefully to make sure that the letters are still intact. Line up the edges of the letters with the designer notebook then press down the tape and stick the letters onto the notebook. Again, use the squeegee to apply pressure and securely stick the letters onto the notebook.
In this introduction to Illustrator I learned a lot. I learned first off how to use illustrator and navigate through the software. I learned the difference between raster and vector images and the uses for both. I learned how to convert in image into raster in the meantime. I learned that creating something in illustrator can turn into many different things such as a decal on vinyl or use the laser to make a key chain out of acrylic. Using Illustrator you can use various machines to make a product. I look forward to the individual projects using Illustrator and these machines.