How to model a 3D sign in Vectric Aspire | Getting Started

Overview

This video demonstrates how to model a custom 3D sign frame in Vectric Aspire using Aspire-only modeling tools. It covers drawing and editing vectors, mirroring and joining paths, creating a cross-section, and using the Two Rail Sweep tool to generate a bespoke 3D frame.

Steps

1. Create a new job

   • Set width to 10 inches, height to 16.5 inches, thickness to 1 inch.
   • Set XY datum to bottom left, material surface zeroing.
   • Increase pixel density from 1 million to 4 million points (Very High) for detailed 3D modeling.

2. Set up guide geometry

   • In 3D view, draw a rectangle for the maximum outer frame size.
   • Snap to job center, hold Alt to draw from center.
   • Set rectangle width to 8.5 inches and height to 15.25 inches.

3. Draw the frame profile vector

   • Switch to 2D view and select the Polyline tool.
   • Draw one quarter of the frame outline, snapping to existing geometry.
   • Delete the guide rectangle.

4. Edit nodes

   • Enter Node Edit mode (N).
   • Right-click vector segments and convert them to arcs or beziers.
   • Adjust handles to create a smooth, decorative frame shape.
   • Use cursor keys to nudge nodes and smooth them as needed.

5. Mirror and join vectors

   • Select the quarter-profile vector.
   • Use Mirror Selected Objects.
   • Enable Flip About Job Center and mirror a copy horizontally.
   • Select both vectors, right-click, and choose Join / Move Endpoints.
   • Mirror the joined shape vertically, then join again.
   • Confirm the vector is closed: Close Vectors should be grayed out.

6. Create the inner drive rail

   • Select the outer frame vector.
   • Use Offset Vectors inward by 0.5 inches.
   • Ensure sharp corners are not created, and select New to create the inner rail.

7. Build the cross-section

   • Draw a 0.5 x 0.5 inch square.
   • Enter Node Edit mode and insert/delete nodes to create the desired profile shape.
   • Convert the middle segment to a bezier and adjust handles.
   • Delete the bottom span so the cross-section fits between the rails.

8. Use the Two Rail Sweep

   • Open the Two Rail Sweep tool.
   • Select both drive rails using Use Selection.
   • Check that the closed vectors travel in the same direction.
   • Verify the start points are aligned across from each other.
   • If not, right-click a vector near the start point and choose Insert Start Point.
   • Select the cross-section.
   • Turn off Scale Cross-Section With Width since the section is drawn to scale.
   • Turn off Sweep Between Spans.
   • Enable Fill Inner Closed Vector Rail for a solid raised center.
   • Leave exact height scaling disabled and click Apply.

9. Review the result

   • Tile the 2D and 3D views.
   • Hide vectors in the 3D view to inspect the frame.

Key Points / Warnings

• This tutorial uses Aspire-only tools; VCarve users may not have access to Two Rail Sweep or 3D modeling features.
• Use high resolution / high pixel density for projects combining modeled and imported 3D content.
• Smart snapping helps align nodes and vectors precisely.
• When mirroring, use Join / Move Endpoints to create clean, closed vectors.
• Closed vectors must have matching direction and aligned start points before using Two Rail Sweep.
• If the inner drive rail is shorter than the outer rail, the swept frame geometry can look incorrect around corners. Check both rails are complete and closed before applying.
• Fill Inner Closed Vector Rail creates a flat solid center, which is useful for later modeling steps.
• Disable scale-to-width options when the cross-section is already drawn to the correct size.