How to Use Vectric Aspire for CNC Routing: V-Carving, 3D Reliefs, and Toolpaths

Introduction

Vectric Aspire is the professional-grade software for CNC routing, V-carving, 3D relief machining, and laser engraving. Unlike general-purpose CAD programs that require separate CAM software, Aspire combines design and toolpath generation in one unified workflow. It excels at decorative CNC work: signage with V-carved lettering, 3D relief sculptures, inlays, fluting, textures, and complex profiling — the kind of work that turns a basic CNC router into a precision artistic tool. This guide covers the complete Aspire workflow: from vector drawing and 3D relief creation through every toolpath type to G-code export, with practical advice on feeds, speeds, and material-specific strategies.

What You Need

• Vectric Aspire (trial available from vectric.com, paid license required)
• CNC router with GRBL or Mach controller
• End mills (flat, ball nose, V-bits), drill bits
• Material stock (wood, MDF, acrylic, aluminum, foam)
• G-code sender software (gSender, UGS, or direct from Aspire)

Understanding Aspire's Interface

2D View: The primary design workspace. Create and edit vectors (2D outlines), text, and imported artwork. This is where you draw the shapes that will become toolpaths.

3D View: Preview the 3D relief, toolpaths, and simulation. Essential for verifying relief height, checking for gouges, and visualizing the final result.

Toolpaths Tab: Where all machining operations are created and managed. Every toolpath type lives here.

Layers Panel: Organize vectors into named layers. Handy for separating text, outlines, pocket regions, and guide vectors.

Step 1: Set Up Your Job

Job Setup dialog (first step for every project):

1. File > New > Create a New File
2. Job Size (X,Y): Set to your material dimensions or machine travel limits
3. Z-Zero Position: Set to Material Surface (Z=0 is the top of your material) or Machine Bed (Z=0 is the spoilboard)
4. XY Origin: Set to a corner (typically bottom-left or center)
5. Material Thickness (Z): Enter the exact thickness of your stock
6. Modeling Resolution: Medium for most jobs. High for fine detail (slower to calculate). Low for roughing (faster).

Resolution note: Modeling resolution controls the internal 3D mesh density. Higher = smoother relief but larger files and slower calculation. For signs and text, Medium is fine. For detailed 3D portraits, use High.

Step 2: Create or Import Vectors (2D Design)

Drawing vectors in Aspire:

• Draw Polyline: Click to place points, double-click to finish
• Draw Curve: Click-drag for Bezier curves (smooth flowing lines)
• Draw Rectangle/Ellipse: Standard shapes
• Create Text: Click the text tool, type, select font and size
• Edit Nodes: Fine-tune vector shapes by moving individual control points

Importing artwork:

1. File > Import > Vectors
2. Supported formats: SVG, DXF, EPS, AI, PDF
3. Check scale after import
4. Clean up imported vectors:

• Edit > Select All > Optimize Vectors (removes duplicate nodes)
• Edit > Check for Open Vectors (closed vectors are required for pocketing and profiling)
• Use the Join Open Vectors tool to close gaps

Working with text:

1. Create Text tool > Type your text > Select font
2. Fonts with clean, open shapes work best for V-carving (Arial, Times, script fonts)
3. Convert text to curves if needed for editing: Edit > Convert Text to Curves

Step 3: Create 3D Reliefs (The Aspire Advantage)

This is where Aspire separates itself from basic 2D CAM software. You can create true 3D relief surfaces from 2D vectors.

Create Shape from Vectors:

1. Select a closed vector (or multiple vectors)
2. Modeling > Create Shape from Vector(s)
3. Choose a shape profile:

• Dome: Smooth rounded surface (pillow effect)
• Flat: Flat surface at a set height
• Bevel: Angled ramp from the edge inward
• Rounded: Rounded top edge (similar to dome but flatter)

1. Set Height: The maximum relief height (e.g., 3 mm)
2. Click Add to apply to the model

Two Rail Sweep (for flowing 3D shapes):

1. Draw two parallel vectors (the rails)
2. Draw a cross-section profile (the sweep shape)
3. Modeling > Two Rail Sweep
4. Select the two rails and the profile
5. Aspire creates a smooth 3D surface between the rails

Extrude and Weave (for decorative edges):

1. Select a vector along an edge
2. Modeling > Extrude and Weave
3. Creates flowing, woven patterns along the vector path

Texture Tool (for background textures):

1. Modeling > Textures
2. Select a texture pattern (wood grain, stipple, leather, etc.)
3. Set depth and scale
4. Apply to the background area of your model

Importing 3D relief models:

1. Modeling > Component > Import Component
2. Import 3D meshes (STL, OBJ, 3DCLIP) as relief components
3. Position, scale, and combine with your own relief work

Step 4: Create Toolpaths — Complete Guide to Every Type

Click the Toolpaths tab to create machining operations. Select the vectors, then choose the toolpath type.

1. Profile Toolpath (Cutting outlines)

Follows a vector to cut along, inside, or outside the line.

1. Select the vectors to cut
2. Toolpaths > Profile
3. Settings:

• Cut Depth: Material thickness for through-cuts
• Machine Vectors: Outside, Inside, or On the vector
• Tool: End mill (flat or downcut)
• Direction: Climb (cleaner finish) or Conventional
• Tabs: Enable for through-cuts. Set tab width (3-5 mm) and height (material minus 0.5 mm). Holds parts in place.
• Ramps: Enable to plunge at an angle instead of straight down. Reduces tool stress and entry marks.

2. Pocket Toolpath (Clearing areas)

Removes all material inside a closed vector down to a set depth.

1. Select closed vectors (the pocket areas)
2. Toolpaths > Pocket
3. Settings:

• Pocket Depth: How deep to clear
• Tool: End mill (largest that fits in the pocket for fastest clearing)
• Stepover: 40-50% of tool diameter
• Strategy: Offset (spiral from center) or Raster (back-and-forth)
• Multiple Passes: Enable with pass depth (1-2 mm per pass for wood)

3. V-Carve Toolpath (Signage and decorative text)

This is Aspire's signature toolpath. A V-bit plunges and moves along vectors, carving variable-width grooves. Wide lines = deep cuts. Narrow lines = shallow cuts.

1. Select vectors (text, outlines, clip art)
2. Toolpaths > V-Carve
3. Settings:

• Cut Depth: Maximum depth the V-bit will reach (typically 3-6 mm for 60-degree bits)
• Tool: V-bit (specify included angle: 60, 90, or 120 degrees)
• Flat Depth: For wider areas, you can limit the depth and then use a flat end mill to clear the flat bottom (creates a flat-bottom V-carve)

V-Carve with Flat Depth (Advanced):

1. Set Flat Depth to your desired maximum depth
2. Aspire calculates the V-carve down to flat depth
3. Then create a Flat Area Clearance toolpath with an end mill to clear the flat areas
4. This produces a V-carved look with flat bottoms in wide areas

4. Inlay Toolpath (Precision inlays)

Creates male and female parts that fit together perfectly.

1. Select the inlay shape
2. Toolpaths > Inlay
3. Creates two toolpaths:

• Female (recess): Pocket with slight undercut for the inlay to seat
• Male (insert): Profile cut slightly oversized for press fit

1. Cut the female part from the base material
2. Cut the male part from the inlay material
3. Apply glue and press together

5. Fluting Toolpath (Decorative grooves)

1. Select vectors (the centerlines of flutes)
2. Toolpaths > Fluting
3. Settings:

• Max Depth: How deep the groove goes
• Tool: Ball nose or round-over bit
• Profile: Round (U-shaped groove) or V-shaped

6. Drilling Toolpath

1. Select circles (hole positions)
2. Toolpaths > Drill
3. Settings:

• Cut Depth: Through or specific depth
• Tool: Drill bit matching hole diameter
• Peck Depth: Depth per peck (0.5-1 mm for wood)
• Dwell: Pause at bottom (0.2 seconds)

7. 3D Roughing Toolpath (Remove bulk material)

Before machining fine 3D details, remove excess material with a roughing pass.

1. 3D toolpaths > Roughing
2. Settings:

• Tool: Large flat end mill (1/4 inch or 6 mm)
• Pass Depth: 1-2 mm per pass (aggressive roughing)
• Stepover: 50-70% of tool diameter (fast material removal)
• Strategy: Offset (spiral) or Raster (zigzag)
• Machining Limit Boundary: Restrict roughing to the model area or rough the entire stock

8. 3D Finishing Toolpath (Fine surface detail)

After roughing, create a smooth, detailed surface.

1. 3D toolpaths > Finishing
2. Settings:

• Tool: Ball nose end mill (1/8 inch or 3 mm for general work, 1/16 inch for fine detail)
• Stepover: 10-20% of tool diameter (smaller stepover = smoother surface)
• Strategy: Raster (passes in one direction), Offset (spiral from center), or Both (cross-hatch for smoothest finish)
• Direction: Along X or Along Y (alternate between roughing and finishing directions)

3D toolpath tips:

• Always rough before finishing. Never run a finishing pass on full-depth material.
• Use a smaller ball nose for the final pass if the surface still shows tool marks.
• Cross-hatch finishing (both X and Y passes) produces the smoothest surface.

9. Laser Toolpath (if your CNC has a laser module)

1. Select vectors or images
2. Toolpaths > Laser
3. Settings:

• Power: 0-100%
• Speed: mm/min
• Mode: Line (vector), Fill (raster), or Image (grayscale depth map)

Step 5: Define Tool Database

Build a tool library with all your cutting tools:

1. Toolpaths > Tool Database
2. Click New for each tool

End mill entry:

• Name: "1/8 inch 2-Flute Upcut"
• Diameter: 3.175 mm
• Pass Depth: 1.5 mm (per pass in wood)
• Stepover: 40% (1.27 mm for 3.175 mm tool)
• Spindle Speed: 16000 RPM
• Feed Rate: 1200 mm/min (wood)
• Plunge Rate: 600 mm/min

V-bit entry:

• Name: "60-degree V-bit 1/4 inch"
• Diameter: 6.35 mm
• Included Angle: 60 degrees
• Pass Depth: 3 mm (for wood)
• Feed Rate: 800 mm/min
• Plunge Rate: 400 mm/min

Ball nose entry:

• Name: "1/8 inch Ball Nose"
• Diameter: 3.175 mm
• Pass Depth: 0.5-1 mm (shallow for finishing)
• Stepover: 0.3 mm (10% of diameter for fine finish)
• Feed Rate: 1500 mm/min

Step 6: Simulate and Verify

Toolpath simulation:

1. Click Preview All Toolpaths (the eye icon)
2. Watch the simulation or use the slider to scrub through
3. Check for:

• Tool crashes (tool hitting clamps, fixtures, or the bed)
• Uncut areas (pockets not fully cleared)
• Excessive depth (tool cutting too deep)
• Surface finish quality on 3D reliefs

1. Toggle between solid and wireframe views to inspect internal details

Estimated machining time:

Aspire calculates total machining time based on feed rates and toolpath length. Use this to plan your work session.

Step 7: Save Toolpaths and Export G-Code

1. Click Save Toolpath(s) (the save disk icon)
2. Select which toolpaths to export
3. Select the Post Processor for your CNC:

• GRBL (mm): For GRBL-based machines (WolfPawn, Shapeoko, LongMill, etc.)
• GRBL (inch): For machines using imperial units
• Mach3/Mach4: For Mach-based controllers
• LinuxCNC: For LinuxCNC machines

1. Click Save Toolpath(s) to File
2. Choose output location and filename

G-code file organization:

ProjectName_Roughing.nc ProjectName_Finishing.nc ProjectName_Profile.nc

Run roughing first, then finishing, then profiling (cut out from stock).

Step 8: Run the G-Code on Your CNC

Using gSender (recommended for GRBL):

1. Connect your CNC via USB
2. Open the G-code file in gSender
3. Home the machine (click Home All)
4. Jog to your work zero position (front-left corner of material, top surface)
5. Zero all axes (X=0, Y=0, Z=0)
6. Load the first tool (end mill for roughing)
7. Click Run

Tool changes between operations:

1. After the roughing pass completes, the machine stops
2. Change to the finishing tool (ball nose)
3. Re-zero Z with the new tool (X and Y stay the same)
4. Load the finishing G-code and run
5. Repeat for profiling tool

Material-Specific Strategies

MDF:

• Cutting: 1200-1800 mm/min, 16000 RPM, 2 mm pass depth
• V-carving: 1000 mm/min, 60-degree V-bit
• Good for signs, prototypes, jigs. Avoid fine detail — MDF fuzzes at small scales.

Hardwood (Maple, Oak, Walnut):

• Cutting: 800-1200 mm/min, 18000 RPM, 1-1.5 mm pass depth
• 3D finishing: 1500 mm/min, 1/8 inch ball nose, 0.2 mm stepover
• Use downcut end mills for clean top edges on through-cuts.

Softwood (Pine, Cedar):

• Cutting: 1500-2500 mm/min, 16000 RPM, 2-3 mm pass depth
• V-carving: 1200 mm/min, 60 or 90-degree V-bit
• Very fast machining but check for tear-out on profile cuts.

Acrylic/Plexiglas:

• Cutting: 800-1200 mm/min, 20000 RPM, 1 mm pass depth
• Use single-flute upcut end mills for chip evacuation
• High RPM essential to prevent melting
• Cast acrylic machines better than extruded

Aluminum:

• Cutting: 300-600 mm/min, 12000-16000 RPM, 0.2-0.5 mm pass depth
• Use 2 or 3-flute carbide end mills with chip breaker geometry
• Use cutting fluid or mist coolant
• Conservative feeds to prevent tool breakage and work hardening

HDPE/Delrin:

• Cutting: 1200-1800 mm/min, 16000 RPM, 1.5 mm pass depth
• Single-flute end mills preferred for chip evacuation
• Air blast essential to prevent chip re-melting

Tips for Aspire Success

• Always simulate before cutting. The simulation catches crashes and errors that are invisible in the 2D view.
• Rough first, finish second, profile last. This order prevents the part from shifting during profiling before interior details are machined.
• Use tabs for through-cuts. Without tabs, parts fly off the bed at the final cut-through moment.
• Build your tool database early. Enter every tool you own with proper parameters. This saves time on every project.
• Use V-carve for text and line art. Nothing produces cleaner engraved text than a V-bit in Aspire.
• Save toolpath templates. If you always use the same roughing/finishing strategy, save it as a template for one-click application.
• Import STL components for 3D work. Download decorative 3D models (scrollwork, corbels, floral elements) and combine them with your own vectors in Aspire.
• Texture backgrounds for contrast. A textured background behind smooth raised lettering creates dramatic visual contrast.
• Document feeds and speeds. Create a spreadsheet of tested settings by material and tool. Reference it before every new job.

Conclusion

Vectric Aspire transforms a hobby CNC router into a professional carving and sign-making machine. The combination of vector design, 3D relief creation, and comprehensive toolpath generation in one package eliminates the need for separate CAD and CAM software. V-carving produces dimensional text that no laser or 3D printer can match. 3D relief machining creates sculptural surfaces from 2D artwork. The tool database, simulation, and post-processor support for GRBL mean you can go from design to finished part without leaving the Aspire environment. Master the profile, pocket, V-carve, and 3D finishing toolpaths, build a tool database, and document your material settings — and your CNC router becomes a production tool for signs, furniture, decorative panels, and custom products.