Illustrator
Illustrator is a 2D software that uses vector images- images that can be scaled, and not be distorted, unlike raster images. You can increase or decrease the size however many times you want. This is because vector images use lines instead of measurements, like inches of centimeters. We used Illustrator with the laser cutter and the vinyl cutter, since they are both 2D software. The two projects that we did were a laser cut keychain, and a vinyl decal of our name.
I worked on the laser cut keychain first. First, I made my design in Illustrator, and then saved it to my flashdrive. First I inserted the flashdrive to the laptop by the laser printer, and open the Illustrator file. Next I when to "File", "Print", and changed the print option to "VLS660". Then I when to "Setup", "Preferences", "Plastic", "Acrylic", and "Extruded Acrylic". I measured the thickness of the acrylic sheet with a digital caliper, and changed the thickness on the computer. Then I changed the fixture type to "None", and clicked "Apply", "OK" and "Print". I minimized the window, and opened UCP (Universal Control Panel), and activated the laser, plus I made sure to turn on the exhaust. After that, I relocated the laser so it wasted as little material as possible, and clicked "To Laser". That moved the keychain design to were the laser was. Lastly, I closed the door, and pressed the green button to start. The cutting-out part of the keychain took about 2 minutes.
The vinyl cut name was after that. I started with typing my name into Illustrator. Once that was done, we uploaded it to the vinyl cutter. We put the roll of vinyl in the color we wanted, then lined it up with the markings on the machine. Then we started the machine, so the names were cut out. Then we cut around the names, and began to peel off the vinyl around the name, and the vinyl inside the letters. Next the tape was put on, and press it down. Then I peeled off the tape with the name on it, and put on it a poster board. Then I smoothed out the vinyl letters and pressed down using a squeegee, and peeled off the tape.
I learned how to use Illustrator, and make anything 2-D. Plus I know how to engrave metal, wood, plastic, cardboard, and ceramics using the laser cutter. I also learned how to make vinyl decal out of many different colors and stick it to any non-porous surface using the vinyl cutter.