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Photo VCarve VS Photo VCarve Toolpath in Aspire. What's the difference Vectric

This video compares the standalone Photo VCarve program with the Photo VCarve toolpath available inside Aspire, VCarve Pro, and VCarve Desktop. It demonstrates the same image-to-toolpath workflow, then shows Aspire-specific options such as selected vectors and projecting the Photo VCarve toolpath onto a 3D model.

  1. Load the image

    • In standalone Photo VCarve, load the image. It automatically takes on the image’s pixel size (e.g. 960 x 1280).
    • In Aspire/VCarve, create a new file to the desired material size, then import the image and adjust its position/size as needed.
  2. Set up the material

    • Standalone: Set material size in mm or inches, XY origin, and Z position, then click Apply.
    • Aspire/VCarve: Material setup is done when creating the file; you can adjust afterward as required.
  3. Set cutting parameters

    • Standalone: Choose a V-bit or ball nose. The video uses a 60° V-bit, 0.2“ pass depth, 0.05“ cut depth, and 150% line spacing.
    • Aspire/VCarve: Use the same V-bit, start depth 0, maximum cutting depth 0.05“, raster strategy, 150% spacing, and 45° line angle.
  4. Calculate the toolpath

    • Standalone: Click Calculate; the result preview is shown immediately.
    • Aspire/VCarve: Calculate the toolpath, then preview it to see the simulated result.
  5. Preview and simulate

    • Both programs let you change the material color and toolpath color to visualize the result.
    • Estimated machining time is displayed in both environments.
  6. Choose the post processor and save

    • Select the appropriate post processor for your machine and save the toolpath.
  7. Optional - Use selected vectors in Aspire/VCarve

    • Import an image and draw vectors, for example a spiral or portrait boundary.
    • Copy/move vectors to their own layer, join them at a common point, draw a boundary vector, and use trim/clip tools to create one long vector.
    • Add text if desired.
    • Select the image and the vectors, then create