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In today's tech-savvy world, desk pads have become increasingly popular, adding a touch of personalization to workspaces. In this tutorial, we'll take you through the process of creating a designer desk pad with a CO2 Laser Machine, a FastCOLOUR Lite XP 600 Printer and a Roll To Roll Heat Press using artwork from the beloved character Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. So, let's dive right into it!

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Step 1: Download and Prepare Artwork

Begin by downloading the desired artwork. In this case, it's Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. The only edits required are removing the black line at the bottom and eliminating the background. Use the eraser tool for this task, and don't forget to convert the image into a smart object.

Step 2: Add a Stroke

To enhance the design, add a stroke to the image. Double-click on the layer, find the stroke option and set it to the outside with a desired size, such as 60. This creates a distinct outline around the character. We also crop the page to the size of the artwork.

Step 3: Prepare for Laser Cutting

For laser cutting purposes, create a red stroke for the contour. Adjust the stroke settings, ensuring it's visible. Use the Magic Wand tool to select the red stroke, right-click, and choose "layer via cut." This isolates the red stroke for laser cutting.

Step 4: Align and Mark for Laser Cutting

To ensure accurate laser cutting, align the artwork using rulers. Create four dots at the corners, serving as markers for the laser cutter. These markers aid in framing the artwork correctly within the laser-cutting machine. Next, we export the artwork into AI to rasterise the artwork and create a dxf file for RDWorks. We also need to remove the red stroke, as if the laser is slightly off, the red stroke will be visible.

Step 5: Export for Laser Cutting

Save the artwork as a JPEG and import it into software compatible with laser cutting, such as RDWorks Ensure that the strokes are appropriately grouped and set the cutting parameters (speed, power, etc.).

Step 6: Printing and Sublimation

For printing, use a high-quality sublimation paper with a special coating that facilitates ink transfer during the sublimation process. The printer used here is an XP 600 from AM.CO.ZA, and the ink is a dye-based sublimation ink also for sale from AM.CO.ZA. The sublimation process was done using a Roll To Roll Heat Press.

Step 7: Sublimation Process

Now that the printing is done, we move onto the sublimation process. The material chosen is a two-part material, comprising 100% woven polyester and a tempered rubber backing that can withstand up to 300 degrees. The sublimation process involves transferring the printed image onto the material using heat.

Troubleshooting Sublimation Issues

The tutorial includes common sublimation issues and their solutions. Problems like colour bursting can occur due to insufficient pressure while marbling might be caused by impurities or moisture. Techniques like rolling the material before sublimation can help mitigate these issues.

Step 8: Laser Cutting the Desk Pad

Once the sublimation is done, we can move onto the laser cutting machine to cut the desk pad following the marked contour. Utilize the registration marks done in RDWorks to ensure proper framing for precise cutting. The Laser Cutter ensures that the artwork is cut out with precision. The results speak for themselves!

Creating a designer desk pad involves a combination of digital design, sublimation printing, and laser cutting. Despite potential challenges, the process is both creative and rewarding. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial, and stay tuned for more creative projects!

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