How to make 3D Stars with VCarve OR Aspire Vectric

Overview

This video demonstrates multiple workflows for creating a true 3D star in both Aspire and VCarve. It covers three Aspire modeling approaches, explains their limitations, then shows a VCarve-only technique using component clipping, multiple merge layers, and a two-rail sweep profile to produce a clean 3D star with optional engraved text.

Steps

Aspire – Method 1: Create Shape from Vector

1. Draw the star vector.
2. Select the vector and create a 3D shape/component from it.
3. Adjust the shape height as needed.

This method is simple but has a limitation: if the shape height is increased too much, the center of the star deforms and protrudes more than the tips.

Aspire – Method 2: One-Side Profile with Two-Rail Sweep and Circular Copy

1. Draw the star vector and cut it apart.
2. Keep only one side of one star point.
3. Draw a straight vertical line from the top of that vector to the center of the workspace.
4. Create a profile shape for the two-rail sweep.
5. For the profile, select the top and bottom nodes and press X to align them vertically, making the return side straight.
6. Select the two longer vectors and the profile, then create a component using Two-Rail Sweep.
7. Set the component to Merge.
8. Flip the component left-to-right around the center.
9. Nudge the two components together so they meet without overlapping too much.
10. Group the two components.
11. Use Circular Copy to make 5 copies.

Limitation: the copied components may show small gaps/seams, and the top ridge in the 3D view may not be perfectly clean.

Aspire – Method 3: Cut-Vector Profile and Circular Copy

1. Draw the star vector and cut it apart.
2. Delete unwanted parts.
3. Extend the star point vector so it meets the center horizontal guideline.
4. Cut the V shape into two individual vectors.
5. Create the desired pointed profile.
6. Select the two point vectors, make sure they run in the same direction, and apply Two-Rail Sweep with the profile.
7. Set the result to Merge.
8. Use Circular Copy to create 5 copies.

This gives a clean, controllable 3D star and is the recommended Aspire method.

VCarve – Full 3D Star Workflow

Build the Point Components

1. Cut the star vector apart.
2. Draw one side of the star point from the right-hand side to the center point.
3. Delete