3D Modeling for Newbies Lesson 1 Creating Components with Aspire

Overview

This lesson introduces creating basic 3D components in Aspire from closed vectors. It covers the three main shape types (dome, cone/pyramid, plate), adjusting shape height and base height, and explains the four component interaction properties: add, subtract, merge, and subtract low.

Steps

1. Create a new project – Choose a single-sided job (e.g., 12“ x 12“), set material surface as Z0, place XY origin as desired, and set modeling resolution to very high.
2. Draw closed vectors – Create simple closed vectors such as a circle, rectangle, and triangle.
3. Open 3D view – Switch to 3D view to see the effect of creating components.
4. Select a vector and create a shape – Select one vector, go to the Modeling tab, click Create Shape (top-left icon).
5. Choose a shape profile – Select from:
   • Dome – Rounded bump; adjust shape height and base height.
   • Cone/Pyramid – Pointed shape; adjust shape height and base height.
   • Plate – Flat component; set base height as thickness.
6. Adjust shape height – Drag the slider or enter a precise value. Positive raises the top, negative lowers it.
7. Adjust base height – Drag the slider or enter a value. This lifts the entire component vertically, creating straight sides.
8. Create additional components – Click Start New Component, select a different vector, choose a shape, and adjust heights as needed.
9. Name each component – Use meaningful names in the component properties to avoid confusion.
10. Set component properties – When overlapping components exist, right-click a component in the component tree and choose a property:
    • Add (upside-down U symbol) – Adds the overlapping component’s thickness to the base component.
    • Subtract (U shape) – Reduces the overlapping area by the component’s thickness.
    • Merge (filled upside-down U) – No interaction; the software shows a green shadow indicating presence without effect.
    • Subtract low (filled U) – Pushes the overlapping area down to match the height of the second component.
11. Edit properties in 3D view – Select a component in the 3D view, click it again to reveal a small blue box at the bottom, then click the blue box to quickly change add/subtract/merge/subtract low, shape height, or base height.

Key Points / Warnings

• Shape height is the vertical extent of the shape itself; base height lifts the whole component, creating vertical walls.
• The component tree stacks components in creation order: the first component is at the bottom, subsequent components are listed above it.
• Component properties only matter when components overlap. Non-overlapping components are unaffected.
• For flat plates, only base height needs to be adjusted.
• Additional shape profile options and final height controls exist but are covered in later lessons.
• Right-clicking a component in the component tree or using the wrench icon opens advanced component properties.
• The blue box in 3D view provides a quick interactive way to adjust component properties without opening dialogs.