How to use the array copy tool in Vectric software | Efficiency Tools

Overview

This video demonstrates how to use the Array Copy Toolpath tool in Vectric Aspire to duplicate pre-made toolpaths across a larger sheet, preview the results, optionally minimize tool changes, and edit toolpaths so changes apply to every arrayed copy.

Steps

1. Open the Vectric widget toolpath file.
2. Review the layers and associated toolpaths in the 3D view and Toolpath menu.
3. Confirm toolpath association: for each toolpath, use the vector selector to choose which layer participates in that toolpath.
4. Preview the original toolpaths using Preview All Toolpaths to verify the cut order and assigned tools.
5. Widen the job size in Job Setup to 96 x 48 inches.
6. In the Toolpath menu, open the Array Copy Toolpath button.
7. Check all toolpaths in the array copy form to include them in the operation.
8. Set the number of Rows and Columns.
9. Set Offset or Gap values in X and Y. In this example, use 5 rows, 11 columns, and a 1.5 inch gap in both axes.
10. Optionally enable Minimize Tool Changes to group toolpaths that use the same tool.
11. Click Calculate to generate the array copied toolpaths.
12. Preview the resulting toolpaths. With minimize tool changes enabled, the toolpaths are grouped by tool: endmill toolpaths first, V-bit toolpaths second.
13. In the 2D view, confirm that only the original vectors exist; the toolpaths are arrayed, not the vectors themselves.
14. To modify an individual toolpath—for example, change the cut depth from 0.375 to 0.376—open that toolpath, change the setting, and recalculate. The change is automatically applied to all arrayed copies.

Key Points / Warnings

• Vectors in each layer are associated with their corresponding toolpaths using the vector selector and the Selected Layers Only option.
• The array copy tool duplicates toolpaths, not vectors. The original vectors are not copied or drawn again across the sheet.
• Offset is measured from the bottom-left corner; Gap is the spacing between each copy.
• Use a gap when parts would otherwise overlap after repeated offsets.
• Minimize Tool Changes groups all toolpaths that share the same tool geometry so they can cut together.
• To use minimize tool changes on a real machine, the post processor or control software must support tool changes, an automatic tool changer, or a stop command for manual tool changes.
• Editing an individual toolpath in the array copies recalculates and applies that change to all copies.
• A warning appears if you specify a cut depth greater than the material thickness; confirm the job setup and machine settings before accepting.