One paragraph description of what Illustrator is/does
What is Illustrator?
Illustrator is a vector design software that uses vector art. This is not to be confused with raster art which is made up of pixels. Illustrator allows us to create designs to print on the laser . The laser works by engraving the design into a surface. In our case it was plastic. Illustrator also allows us to create things on the vinyl cutter. The vinyl cutter allows you to cut vinyl and stick it to anything porous. Vinyl is not the same as a sticker, stickers are usually paper while vinyl is plastic
Illustrator is a vector design software that uses vector art. This is not to be confused with raster art which is made up of pixels. Illustrator allows us to create designs to print on the laser . The laser works by engraving the design into a surface. In our case it was plastic. Illustrator also allows us to create things on the vinyl cutter. The vinyl cutter allows you to cut vinyl and stick it to anything porous. Vinyl is not the same as a sticker, stickers are usually paper while vinyl is plastic
Screenshots of your Illustrator file for the laser
Screenshots of your Illustrator file for the vinyl
Step by step instruction for using the laser with instructions
Pick ImageMaterials tab-plastic-acrylic-extruded acrylic-okay |
Add TextOpen the UCP Laser program
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Open file on computer connected to laserOpen UCP Program |
Select file-print-VLS6.60-setup-preferences |
Step by step instructions for applying the vinyl decal
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Picture of your vinyl decal placed on your notebook
What I learned from this introduction to vinyl cutter
I learned how to print vinyl decals with just a couple presses of a button. I learned that it takes almost nothing to create a design using Illustrator. Just from learning how to use Illustrator it opened so many options. Learning how to use Illustrator helped me make my key chain and a vinyl decal. Also, the key chain is super cool because it is personalized and puts a unique spin on any decor. I cant wait to use it when I get a car/licensed.
What I learned using the laser engraver
I learned that you can put any text on any object with just a couple pushes of a button and a laser engraver. Using two different programs called Illustrator and UCP. You design the product in Illustrator and use UCP to engrave the design on your material. Your design will then tell the laser engraver to do certain things. Such as using a certain color or red will tell the laser engraver to cut all the way through the piece of material.
What I learned using Illustrator
From Illustrator, I learned that learning just one program can open up so many options. Just from learning illustrator I was able to use not only the laser but also the vinyl cutter. It was cool to see how one program can create two completely different things. The vinyl was cool because it looks like a sticker, but it's not because its plastic. Also, the key chain is super cool because it is personalized and puts a unique spin on any decor.