How to make a 3D project with Design & Make models in Vectric software | 3D Assembly

Overview

This tutorial demonstrates how to build a 3D composition in Vectric software using models from a Design & Make project. It covers file setup, importing clipart, assembling components, and adjusting component heights with shape/base height controls.

Steps

1. Create a new single-sided job with:
   • 24“ width × 12“ height × 1“ thickness
   • Inches, Z zero off material surface
   • XY datum in center for design purposes (switch to bottom left before toolpathing)
   • Modeling resolution: Very High
   • Material: Canadian maple
2. In the Clipart tab, switch to 3D view and locate the Design & Make files.
3. If needed, add the tutorial folder:
   • This PC > C: > Users > Public > Public Documents > Vectric Files > Tutorial Files > design and make project wine bar number 1
4. Double-click the project page image to bring it onto the job as a reference guide.
   • Right-click and choose “Open Containing Folder” to print or view the reference externally.
   • The reference image is on a bitmap layer and can be toggled on/off.
5. Double-click the barrel top component and bring it to the job.
   • Use transform handles to scale it.
   • Hold Shift while dragging corner handles to scale proportionally.
   • Set width to 10 inches; X and Y are linked.
6. Snap the barrel component to the center.
7. Double-click the wine bottle component to bring it in.
   • The selected component appears red with a green shadow when merging with another component.
   • Use Alt + drag to move the component to the desired position.
   • Use transform handles to resize as needed.
8. If the wine bottle top is hidden under the barrel, adjust component height:
   • Open component properties via right-click or the properties button.
   • Increase “Shape Height” to raise the shape itself.
   • Increase “Base Height” to raise the component from its base.
   • For this design, set shape height to about 0.4 and base height to about 0.2.
9. Delete any accidental duplicate components created with Ctrl-drag.
10. Continue the assembly by bringing in the next clipart component (wine glass), as shown in the tutorial.

Key Points / Warnings

• Design & Make installer files place clipart into the default Vectric clipart library automatically.
• Files received as part of a tutorial are not associated with your Design & Make account.
• Shape height exaggerates the model form; base height adds height below the model.
• The project page image can be printed for reference or kept on a bitmap layer in the job.
• Always monitor material thickness in the 3D view when raising components.
• Use the Components tab to toggle visibility of individual model components.
• The provided transcript cuts off as the wine glass is being placed; the next steps would continue the assembly.