PRODUCT DESIGN - LASER CUTTING
Statement of Inquiry
Development of new products is achieved through adaptation and evaluation of existing products.
In Term 4 you have the opportunity to learn Inkscape - a 2D vector based program that will give you the skills to design work online and have your work cut on a laser cutter.
Why Inkscape? This is an open source software that is free to use. It is a VECTOR BASED program that can be used on both Mac and PC.
Week One - learning InkScape
What is a vector file?
A vector file is a graphics file that contains a vector image, rather than a raster, or bitmapped, image. Shapes and lines make up vector graphics, which are fully scalable images, (you can make them HUGE without losing any quality) while raster images are made of pixels and cannot be scaled up without going blurry.
Vector files can be created in programs such a Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape (free), Autocad or Draftsight (free). There are lots of tutorials on the internet to show you how to use these programs.
How can I tell if my file is vector?
Usually the easiest way to tell if a file is vector or not is to zoom in on your file as far as you can, does it go all blurry? If so it’s not vector. If it stays a nice clean line then it’s vector. Vector files need to be DRAWN in the vector program rather than just imported or pasted in there.
Vector File formats – AI, EPS, SVG, DXF, DWG or (sometimes) PDF (should be ok to use)
Non Vector File formats – jpg, psd, bmp (will need to be converted or redrawn in a vector program)
If you have an image that you need to convert to a vector you can get some pointers here.
A vector file is a graphics file that contains a vector image, rather than a raster, or bitmapped, image. Shapes and lines make up vector graphics, which are fully scalable images, (you can make them HUGE without losing any quality) while raster images are made of pixels and cannot be scaled up without going blurry.
Vector files can be created in programs such a Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape (free), Autocad or Draftsight (free). There are lots of tutorials on the internet to show you how to use these programs.
How can I tell if my file is vector?
Usually the easiest way to tell if a file is vector or not is to zoom in on your file as far as you can, does it go all blurry? If so it’s not vector. If it stays a nice clean line then it’s vector. Vector files need to be DRAWN in the vector program rather than just imported or pasted in there.
Vector File formats – AI, EPS, SVG, DXF, DWG or (sometimes) PDF (should be ok to use)
Non Vector File formats – jpg, psd, bmp (will need to be converted or redrawn in a vector program)
If you have an image that you need to convert to a vector you can get some pointers here.
Week by Week overview
Week by Week
Week 1: Introduction to vector based files. Using the pen tool
Week 2: Peer to peer teaching on one aspect of Inkscape. Sketching design
Week 3: Import design into Inkscape – use pen tool to trace
Week 4: Continue with Inkscape
Week 5: Continue with Inkscape
Week 6: Continue with Inkscape
Week 7: Files sent to Jen for printing (sending them off site to be cut)
Week 8: Review of work
Week 9: Exhibition of work
Week 10: HOLIDAY’S
Week 1: Introduction to vector based files. Using the pen tool
Week 2: Peer to peer teaching on one aspect of Inkscape. Sketching design
Week 3: Import design into Inkscape – use pen tool to trace
Week 4: Continue with Inkscape
Week 5: Continue with Inkscape
Week 6: Continue with Inkscape
Week 7: Files sent to Jen for printing (sending them off site to be cut)
Week 8: Review of work
Week 9: Exhibition of work
Week 10: HOLIDAY’S