Vectric Aspire CNC STL Import Tutorial

Create A New File

1. Open Vectric Aspire.
2. Create a new file.

Set Up The Job

1. Change the Job Size fields to match your wood block dimensions.
2. Click OK.

*Note: You can set Material Type (wood, brass, etc.).

*Note: You can set X/Y Datum Position to control where your machine starts.

Open Import Menu

1. In the top toolbar, click File > Import > Import Component / 3D Model.

Select STL Model

1. Select your 3D STL model.
2. Click Open.

Scale And Align

1. Set Initial Orientation to best align the model to the block.
2. Set model height to the same value used in your Job Size.
3. Click Apply.

*Note: The model may first appear at the wrong size before you set the correct height.

Check Front View

1. Switch orientation to Front to inspect fit.

*Note: This verifies the model fits the block profile correctly.

Position Model

1. Click Position and Import.

Set Relative Position

1. Drag the Position relative to Modelling Plane slider all the way down.

Return To Top View

1. Change orientation back to Top for better perspective.
2. Click Import.

Open Toolpaths Panel

1. From the menu bar, click Toolpaths > Show Toolpaths Tab.

Start Roughing Toolpath

1. Click 3D Roughing Toolpath.

Confirm Toolpath Dialog

1. Click OK.

Calculate Roughing

1. Select a relatively large cutter for rough stock removal.
2. Set Machining Limit Boundary to Material Boundary.
3. Click Calculate.

Preview Simulation

1. Click Play to preview the simulated cutter path.

Close Simulation

1. Click Close.

Save Toolpath

1. Click the Save Toolpath icon.

Select Post Processor

1. Select a post-processor that matches your machine/controller.
2. Click Save Toolpath.

*Note: If needed, download/install a machine-specific post-processor (for example, search for your machine model + post-processor).

Export For Machine

1. Save the toolpath to a location your machine controller can read.

*Note: USB media is common, but workflow depends on your controller setup.