Individual Engraving Process:
There are 3 projects we made on the laser engraver; 3D cut out that we built, notepad with engraving, and a water bottle with engraving.
3D object:
Step 1: Use Thingiverse to find ideas and save files of a cut out that would be 3 dimensional when built. (Max. art board size is 32x18 in.)
Step 2: Upload the file to Illustrator to prepare to engrave on the engraver.
Step 3: Print on the laser engraver and then build the project. (For step-by-step instructions on using the engraver refer to the Illustrator page. Note- change the material to mat board).
NotePad:
Step 1: Find the desired design for the notepad and create on Illustrator. Notepad dimensions should be 4.25x5.5in.
Step 2: Print out on the laser engraver. (For step-by-step instructions on using the engraver refer to the Illustrator page. Note- change material to mat board).
Step 3: Create the holes to spiral the notepad. Cut 40 pieces of paper (4.25x5.5in.) and add in the holes for spiraling.
Step 4: Spiral the notepad front, paper, and back together.
Waterbottle:
Step 1: Create design for your water bottle on Illustrator on a 9x5.5in. art board.
Step 2: Make sure the laser engraver has the rotational jig in and place water bottle in the machine. Go through the normal laser engraver process, however, change the fixture type to rotary and the material to anodized aluminum. Change the manual control to the color black, the power to 100%, and the speed to 75%. Then select apply and print to the UCP. Continue as you normally would for laser engraving.
Step 3: Begin your engraving on your water bottle.
Step 4: Remove water bottle from machine and rinse the engraved area under water. Then you're done.
What I learned:
The laser engraver has many different abilities. We were able to make 3 different types of projects all with one machine; water bottle, notepad, and a 3 Dimensional object. Using the engraver takes patience because you have to constantly watch the machine to make sure your project doesn't start on fire. You also have to be exact with your measurements and make sure your material is entered correctly into the UCP, otherwise it will cause issues and could possibly break the machine. You should always check to make sure your design will fit on the object before you print, if they don't fit then you need to adjust your design or use different material. The water bottle has to be done just right otherwise you can ruin the machine or the design won't be engraved how you wanted. The laser engraver is a great multi-functional machine that can engrave many different objects.