Adobe Illustrator is a software program that is primarily used by artists and graphic designers. Compared to other graphics programs, Illustrator is technically superior because it uses advanced mathematics to create lines. Specifically, it uses a computer algorithm to connect two points to make a line. Other graphics programs, like Photoshop, utilize pixel-based formats so their lines are basically created from a string of individual pixels. The difference in the two methods is the level of precision in lines. This impacts how designs might look in enlargements or when transferring designs to other programs such as vinyl cutting applications.
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Lazer cut keychain project
The first step in this project was to make a design for a key chain to be laser cut and engraved. The design was made with the software Illustrator. -SEE ABOVE FOR DESIGN-
I saved the completed design file on a flash drive and took it to the laser cut station. I pulled up the file on Illustrator and had to apply certain printing settings for it to print correctly. Once that was done I needed measurement from the literal material I was going to use for the engraving and cutting. When I had that information I put that into the separate laser cut software. After a few moves with the cursor and to material in the machine, I was ready to start the engraving & cutting. The process took 2 minutes and the finished project turned out just as planned. -Picture at right- |
Vinyl decal project
The design of this was basically our names as a class and a font chosen by the instructor. It was a one inch high letter font. Each student was given a cut out of a decal with peel-able vinyl. which would peel out to leave behind the letters as shown on PICTURE 2.
Once peeled, I needed a way to get the lettering onto the designer notebook. This was done by using transfer tape. The tape held the letters in line while the backing was removed. Now the backs of the letters were sticky and ready to apply to the notebook. PICTURE 3,4 I put the decal in the right spot of the notebook and applied slight pressure to ensure stick. PICTURE 5. Peeling had to be slow. Final picture shows finished project. |
Summary
These two projects showed me the capabilities of combining design software with good manufacturing hardware. Adobe Illustrator was a great tool for creating designs and It was easy to transfer them to the equipment. I liked the laser project better than the vinyl because you got to a finished product quicker. The were more hands on steps with the vinyl than I thought there would be.