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Lacados LAKManual Vectric Aspire V12

How to slice a model in Vectric software | Model Editing Tools

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

This video demonstrates how to slice a 3D relief model into individual component slices inside Vectric Aspire V12. The workflow prepares slices for cutting from thin material, with the intention of gluing them back together to form a full-thickness model.

Steps

Section titled “Steps”
  1. Create a new file: File → Close then create a new job.
    • Set as single-sided, 24“ x 24“, material thickness 1“, units inches, Z zero off material surface, XY datum bottom left.
    • Use high modeling resolution and material type (e.g., Maple).
  2. Import a model: click Import a Component or 3D Model, choose the .b3m file.
    • Press F9 to center in 2D view.
    • Use align tools to center the model on the material.
  3. Scale the model:
    • Go to 3D view → Transform Objects.
    • Set height to 23 inches with XY linked; click Apply.
  4. Adjust shape thickness:
    • Select model, open component properties (right-click → Properties).
    • Or use the shape height field in the 3D view. Change to 3.75 inches and press Enter.
  5. Open the slice tool: 3D Model Tools → Design tab → Slice a visible model into individual component slices.
  6. Configure slicing:
    • Review model thickness (3.75“) and material thickness (1“).
    • Set Slice Thickness to 1“ and click Set.
    • Optionally use From Top to make the top slice full thickness, leaving the remainder at the bottom. Turn off for this demo.
    • Number of Slices allows even division (e.g., 4 slices = 0.9375“ each).
  7. Examine the slice preview:
    • Left bar shows material thickness and slice boundaries.
    • Red = selected slice, green = accumulated slices above, grey = accumulated slices below.
    • Select slices by clicking either on the left bar or the 3D preview.
    • Note slice thickness and top slice thickness as adjustments are made.
  8. Manually adjust slices if needed:
    • Use the thickness field and Apply to change.
    • Double-click on a 3D location to set slice thickness to that point.
    • Hold Shift + mouse wheel over the model to adjust selected slice thickness dynamically.
    • Delete unwanted slices, create new ones by entering a value and clicking New, or Clear to start over.
    • Double-click the “add slice” icon to manually place slice boundaries. Double-click a horizontal line to remove that boundary.
    • Click Set to accept slice settings.
  9. Enable Create Boundary Vectors to automatically generate boundary vectors for each slice, including flat areas.
  10. Click Slice the model to generate slices.
    • Each slice gets a boundary vector and a bitmap representation.
  11. Manage components and layers:
    • Components appear individually in the Component Tree.
    • Layers are created for boundary vectors and slice components.
    • Delete the original apple component and its layer if no longer needed.
  12. Inspect slices:
    • Turn off other slices to view one.
    • For a slice with a flat top, both an outer boundary and inner boundary exist. The area between boundaries is the 3D toolpath region.
    • Check slice properties to confirm thickness (e.g., 1.0“ for lower slices, 0.75“ for the top slice).
    • The top slice has only one boundary (no flat top).
  13. Arrange slices for cutting:
    • Select all boundary vectors and slice components.
    • Use transform handles to scale down and position on the worksheet (e.g., bottom-left corner).

Key Points / Warnings

Section titled “Key Points / Warnings”
  • Material thickness limits the maximum slice thickness that can fit; slices exceeding this must be split.
  • From Top changes the position of the partial-thickness slice. Useful when the top slice needs full thickness.
  • Double-clicking in 3D view while using the slice tool changes the slice thickness to that location. Avoid accidental clicks into adjacent slices or grey areas; use Set to reset.
  • Shift + mouse wheel is a quick way to adjust selected slice thickness, but watch the values in the form.
  • Boundary vectors are essential for toolpathing; they distinguish toolable 3D regions (between outer and inner boundaries) from flat tops.
  • After slicing, you may need to delete the original model and its layer to avoid confusion.
  • Always verify slice thicknesses in component properties, especially the top slice, before creating toolpaths.