Can Vector Art 3D be used with VCarve pro?

[Carrie V]

Can I use Vector Art 3D with Vcarve Pro? or is it only for Aspire? If I can use it with Vcarve is there a tutorial on how to use it?

[tmerrill]

Yes you can.

If you have Cut3D you can prepare the 3D toolpaths in that and then import the toolpaths into VCP to incorporate with 2D toolpaths.

If you don't have Cut3D, you can download the free 3D Machinist software from VectorArt 3D, along with some free 3D models, and experiment. You can find that program, the free models and 4 tutorials here:

http://www.vectorart3d.com/machinist_free/

Also, tutorial D03 on this page would be helpful:

http://support.vectric.com/tut-vcp-2d-techniques

The overall process will be the same with either Cut3D or 3D Machinist with Cut3d giving your more features as it is a paid program.

Tim

[tmerrill]

Found another tutorial that should help. It is tutorial A07 on this page:

http://support.vectric.com/tut-vcp-getting-started

Tim

[Carrie V]

Thanks Guys, I will have a look

[dealguy11]

Hey, Tim and others, I have a related question. Someone asked me for a model I did in Aspire, and they have VCarve Pro. I know VCP will import toolpaths (but not models) from Machinist and Carve3D. Will it import Aspire toolpaths?

Thanks!

[tmerrill]

Hi Steve,

I think your only solution would require Cut3D. You could export the model from Aspire as an STL, input that into Cut3D and prepare the toolpaths and finally import those toolpaths into VCP.

Are you sure they don't have Cut3D or ShopBot's branded Partworks 3D?

Tim

[dealguy11]

He says he only has VCarve Pro, and he's using a Laguna machine so I don't think he's using the Shopbot stuff. I'm guessing that he's using an OEM supplied version of VCarve Pro, so may not have the additional software.

[PaulRowntree]

Hi Steve

I don't think there is any way to do this directly, but you can 'export' the toolpaths as CSV data from your Aspire4 using the CSV post-processor, then load that 3D data up into his VCP7 with the CSV gadget. He can XY stretch, Z scale, rotate and place it how he wants in VCP, but no more editing than that. It previews properly. You would want to calculate the paths with a tool similar to what he will be using, and step-overs that are good for his machine.

Alternatively, if you can export your Aspire work as an image heightmap, this can be converted to CSV and loaded as well.

Normal copyright issues to be respected.

Cheers!