Your artwork can be converted from a JPEG to a Vector through Adobe Illustrator.
Converting a JPEG to Vector:
- Open Adobe Illustrator.
- Import your grey-scale (preferably black and white) JPEG.
- Go to 'Live Trace'
- Click on 'Make and Expand'.
- Save the file as an AI file (Adobe Illustrator) and untick all the boxes afterwards.
Sending your image to the laser cutter:
- JPEGs will be duplicated in ApS-Ethos so you will have to delete the top layer to avoid the laser cutter cutting around the image twice. Do this by clicking on each individual part of your image and pressing 'delete'.
- To remove the border that appears, simply click and delete.
- The size/dimensions of your image is located at the bottom right of the screen.
- Go to 'Edit cutting effect' next to the colour back to adjust the settings.
- Choose whichever colour you want engraved/cut out from the selection. The lines of your image should be the same colour as the one you picked to be engraved/cut out.
- Choose the effect next. They are differentiated by colours.
- Go to 'Output', 'Material manager', 'Set up' and choose the material you wish to work on. If your material isn't listed, choose one that is very similar.
Setting up the laser cutter:
- Switch the laser cutter on by rotating the black button once.
- Open the lid and place the material in the middle of the bed.
- Close the lid and press the button with a hand on it.
- Then press the button below it and press enter, which should resemble an arrow.
- To 'Set origin' use the arrows to adjust the arm and set it in position.
- 'Set media' is always in top right corner, so the laser cutter knows how big your material is.
Materials availabe to use:
- Fabrics: silk, cotton, calico...etc.
- Slate
- Stone
- Ceramics
- Plastics: acrylic...etc.
- 3mm ply-wood (any thicker will burn the edges)
- PVC is not allowed!
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