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It is possible to laser-cut directly from Adobe Illustrator. The process is similar to AutoCAD, with the following notes:
- All vector lines and shapes (even if filled) must have a line weight of .001 in to be recognized by the laser cutter.
Note: This does make the lines very difficult to see, so this is usually done as the last step before cutting.
- Line and fill colors must be assigned using RGB values and must conform to the following, or else they will not be recognized (cut order - #4 under Preparing AutoCAD files - also applies here):
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When defining the settings, leave the Media: Size as "Defined by Driver."
When your file is ready to cut, got to File>Print. To select cut/etch settings click the "Setup..." button (bottom left corner of dialog box).
At the warning screen, click "Continue."
In the white Print dialog box, select "Preferences." Within this dialog box you can create/edit/save your settings.
Click "OkOK" > "Print" > "Print", Run Then run the laser cutter.
NoteNotes:
- If you want to cut dashed lines, you must use RAST as the pen mode in the Printing Preferences dialog.
- If you are laser cutting text, select the text, right click > Create Outlines. Then inverse the fill/outline and double check your stroke is set to .001
Preparing Topos/Maps
There are many ways to cut your contour map, here is one way we found to be efficient and may reduce mistakes.
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