3D Modeling for Newbies Lesson 5 Vectric Aspire Extrude and Weave

Overview

This lesson covers the Extrude and Weave tool in Vectric Aspire, focusing on creating 3D components from rails and profiles, including multi-rail transitions, over/under weaving, and using existing components as profiles.

Steps

1. Click the Extrude and Weave icon, the third icon on the top row.
2. Select one or more vector curves to act as rails.
3. Select a profile vector that defines the cross-section shape.
4. Click Apply to generate the component along the selected rails.
5. To combine profiles, select the rails again and apply a second profile to the top or bottom of the same components.
6. For weaving, select intersecting or overlapping rails, choose the over/under option, and adjust the amount each component rises or falls.
7. Adjust the shape height and base height in the component properties to control depth and position.
8. To use an existing component as the profile, select a rail and choose the component (e.g., a rope link) instead of a vector profile.
9. For layered designs, import other components and set their property to merge, then adjust base height so they sit correctly above other components.

Key Points / Warnings

• A single rail can be used with one or more profiles to create smooth transitions along the shape.
• If the profile changes from one shape to another, the longer vector symbol indicates where the first profile is applied.
• For the weave effect, vectors must overlap — touching vectors will not weave and will produce unexpected flat results.
• Moving vectors closer together increases the overlap and makes the weave more pronounced.
• The tool can place a component (such as rope clip art) around a selected vector, allowing quick creation of borders and decorative edges.
• Direction of the resulting rope twist depends on the original component direction.
• Use merge for components placed on top of existing shapes so they combine cleanly, then adjust base height as needed.