What is illustrator?
Illustrator allows you to draw and create vector files. Vector files are composed of "paths" which is essentially just light not like raster graphics, the more "classic" files, who are composed of pixels. Laser cutters use light to know what to do. Red lines are for vector cutting, blue lines are for vector engraving, and all the other colors are for raster engraving.
Vinyl cutting
The first step to vinyl cut something, is to create a vector file of what you want to cut in Illustrator. In this example, it will be my name.
Put in the vinyl color you want, then send the picture to the vinyl cutter.
After the vinyl is cut, you will have to peel of the unwanted vinyl. I recommend using tweezers and a pick-all tool. You should then have your final design. But to apply the vinyl, you will first need to paste it on a special tape. Use a flat-edge to eliminate all the air between the vinyl and the tape. Then peel the back of the vinyl and carefully apply it on the surface wanted.
The vinyl once applied:
Laser cutting
The first step in laser cutting an item, is to draw you item on illustrator. In my case, I will draw a key chain with a clapper-board. Why not? :D I will have to set the lines at 0.0001mm pt. I will start by creating the outer shape, an oval, and then paste my image. Than, I will click "text" and wright whatever I want. I want to make my file a vector file. To do so, I must select my creation, click "image trace" and than "expand". My file is now a vector file. The laser cutter uses color coding. I want to make my oval lines red so that the laser cuts it. So I have to click on the left box and click on the red line box. The black part of my drawing will be engraved. Download your file and put it on a flash drive. It is ready to be laser cut.
Once you opened your file in illustrator, press "print". Select your laser cutter, in my case I must select the VLS6.60 machine. Turn on the ventilation. Than go to "setup", "preferences" and choose the material you are using. I will click on "extruded acrylic". Make sure your file is well positioned. Use the laser pointer to see where your file is on the material. If it is not where you want it to be, point where you want your file to be with the laser pointer, select your file, and press the four branched arrows to locate your file to the pointer. Press play and the laser should start cutting.
The key chain once laser cut:
What did I learn?
During this project, I learned how to use Illustrator. Even if I'm still sometimes hesitant about how to use it effectively, I know a few basic but important things, such as transforming a raster file into a vector file. I also learned how to use the laser cutter and the vinyl cutter. They both use illustrator because they work with vector files. The laser was the most complicated to remember how to use, but with a little help and practice I'm getting it. Overall this was a bit more complicated than creating 3D widgets and printing them, but still interesting!