In the materials assignment, we started by briefly discussing different type and categories of material before focusing in specifically on the laser engraver. With the engraver, we learned the difference between raster and vector graphics, with the laser engraver using vector graphics. We then used a bit of what we learned from typography to create a design to be engraved on a small piece of wood while also defining for the printer which parts were to be engraved or, for the keychain hole, cut the whole way through.
Then, on the the laser engrave, we learned how to set up the engraving operation, including the importance of centering the x, y, and z axes and how to upload the design to the machine.
After it finished engraving, we finished by putting a ball chain through the hole to make it a keychain. I learned a lot throughout this process, as I had never used a laser engraver before. This is definitely a good skill to have from a design perspective that I hope to use more in the future!