Adobe Illustrator File Preparation

Please read the LMC Overview page before proceeding.

Maximum Material Dimensions

48 x 48 inch / 1219.2 x 1219.2 mm

Maximum Cutting Area

47.75 x 47.75 inch / 1206.5 x 1206.5 mm

Download Illustrator Template File

Right-Click and choose Save Link As... to download the Adobe Illustrator template for the file preparation.

Import your geometry and/or generate your geometry within this file

Create Continuous Line Work

If a continuous/closed shape is made out of more than one path, make sure that you join all paths.

To close a path, use the Direct Selection Tool and select two open endpoints. Then go to the Object menu and select path -> join (CTRL+J)

Repeat this operation as needed.

Clipping Masks Do Not Work for the Laser Cutter!

Objects generated with using Clipping mask have to be traced/redrawn.

Pathfinder

When pathfinder is used to create shapes, final shapes have to be expanded and cleaned up.

Effects

To maintain effects, expand appearance and ungroup final shapes, or use filters instead.

Paintbrush Tool

When the paintbrush tool is used to create shapes, final shapes should be outlined, released from compound paths, extraneous paths deleted, and, if need be, stroke and fill inverted.

Avoid overlaying line work

Keep at least 1/8 inch space in between each closed shape, and be absolutely sure that there is no duplicate geometry stacked directly below the finished shapes. If there is, the laser will cut these lines again and again, ruining your material and damaging the laser bed. (Oh please, Oh please - check this...)

Text

Text has to be converted to outlines in order to be cut, etched or filled.

Assign text to the layer TEXT

Text size should not be below 10 point.

To convert text to outline geometry first select the text with the Selection Tool. Create Outlines (Shift+Ctrl+O) and Ungroup the text. Ungroup may have to be repeated with letters that have "islands" such as A,B,D,G etc.

Outline of Your Material

Measure your material and create the outline on the Layer "your material dim".

Origin

From the juncture of your two rulers, drag Zero down to the bottom left-hand corner of your material outline. This helps the operator of the machine to place your material correctly to start cutting. The longer dimension of your material should be in the horizontal (X) dimension. This makes it easier for the operator to see your work as it cuts in the machine.

Units

The units have to be set to inches. This is already edited in the submission template.

Layers

Assign your geometry to the specific layer: (CUT, SCORE, FILL, TEXT, MATERIAL dimension)

Delete all Guides and Save Your File

Finally, export the .dxf file as an AutoCAD Interchange File (*.dxf) In the DXF/DWG option window choose the AutoCAD version R13/LT95

After Export

Do not open or edit the AutoCAD Interchange File (*.dxf) in any application after it has been exported.