How to model a flat plane in Aspire in Vectric software | Modeling Tools

Overview

This video demonstrates how to create flat shapes and zero planes in Aspire using the Create Flat Shape modeling tool. It also covers combining components, adjusting height, applying fades and tilts, and editing components independently of their original vectors.

Steps

1. Select a vector (e.g., a star) in the 2D view.
2. Go to the Modeling Tools tab and click the Create Flat Shape icon (first icon).
3. In the 3D view, hover over the handle, click and drag upward to pull a flat shape to the desired height, then release.
   • For a precise height, type a value into the height field and press Enter.
4. In the form, optionally name the component, set the Combined Mode (e.g., Add, Merge), and click Apply.
5. The new component appears in the Components tab. It can be toggled on/off or selected for further editing.
6. To create another flat shape, select a new vector and repeat the same process while still in the Create Flat Shape tool.

Apply a Fade

1. Select the newly created component and click the fade/edit option.
2. Check the Fade option.
3. Switch to top view and click Set.
4. Click the first anchor point where the fade should start.
5. Click the second anchor point where the fade should end.
6. Adjust the fade percentage with the slider or type a value. Uncheck Fade to reset.

Apply a Tilt

1. Select the component and open the tilt option.
2. Check the Tilt option.
3. In top view, click Set and place the first and second anchor points to define the tilt direction.
4. Switch to front view and adjust the tilt angle using the slider or by typing a value.
5. Uncheck Tilt to remove the angled plane.

Create a Zero Plane

1. Make sure no vectors are selected, or delete existing vectors if needed.
2. Hold Shift and click the Create Flat Shape icon.
3. A zero-height component is created in the component tree.
4. It is hidden by default in the 2D view so it doesn’t obscure vectors, but it can be selected to view its grayscale representation.

Key Points / Warnings

• The height value displayed while dragging is the actual flat shape height; type a value for exact control.
• Combined Mode controls how the new shape interacts with existing components. Use Merge to blend with other shapes.
• Once a component is created, it is no longer linked to the original vector. You can delete the vector without removing the component.
• Component geometry can be edited directly in node edit mode by pressing N and moving points.
• Fade and tilt both require two anchor points. The fade reduces the shape by a percentage of its current height from the first anchor to the second.
• To remove a fade or tilt, uncheck the corresponding option in the form.
• A zero plane is created by holding Shift while clicking Create Flat Shape. It is invisible in 2D by default but exists as a hidden component.
• Zero planes are useful as a visual reference for the material surface and help prevent issues when machining negative models.