Thread: CAM Software-Aspire

Aspire is a top program, you will not find a better program for the cost.

Also has a very friendly and helpful Forum.

You can download the full version and play with it at no obligation.


Cheers,
Kym

Thanks kym.

Will the trial version actually let you produce a cam program (g-code)?

The trial version will only let you create g-code for the included sample projects. But other than that, it's fully functional.
Is there any particular insight you're looking for?

One of my main concerns was what type of file you need to input (.dxf, .jpg, ect.)

Also ease of use. I am always wary of downloading trial software. It seems it is hard to get rid of if you decide against making the purchase, and they always come with hidden baggage.

Originally Posted by Quickchip

One of my main concerns was what type of file you need to input (.dxf, .jpg, ect.)

That really depends on what you want to do. It will import both .dxf and .jpg, and many other formats. Be aware that .dxf and .jpg are two very different things, and are used for different things in Aspire.
A great number of Aspire users do all their design work in Aspire, and don't need to import any files.

Also ease of use.

All Vectric products are generally considered to be some of the easiest to use packages available. And it comes with numerous video tutorials that take you through all aspects of using the program.

But also keep in mind that some of it's features require a lot of artistic skill to get the most out of them. Many people just don't possess the skills required to do high quality 3D modeling.

I am always wary of downloading trial software. It seems it is hard to get rid of if you decide against making the purchase, and they always come with hidden baggage.

There's no hidden baggage to be worried about, and no obligations.

Originally Posted by Ger21

A great number of Aspire users do all their design work in Aspire, and don't need to import any files.

G'day Gerry, Quickchip..
I find with Aspire, it's a sensational program for what it is - being a machining package, rather than a CAD program.
I do most of my simple stuff in Aspire, but maybe I'm stuck in the Autocad 'world' and I find I can't get by without Acad. The most frustrating thing with Aspire that I find is the snap function (specifically, there's no 'snap to crossing' command). It never seems to work for me (Although, I could be doing something wrong) so for most of my complex designs, I'll do it in Acad, then export a DXF and finish it off in Aspire. This is probably due to me being an Acad user for 25 years and I know it pretty well.
I do like Aspire, but I sometimes get a little frustrated by it. I'll second what you said Gerry, that it's one of the easiest to use...

I would say that anyone with considerable CAD experience will find the drawing tools in Aspire somewhat less efficient. I'm also an AutoCAD user, and I like to think a pretty good one. I can draw most things at least twice as fast in AutoCAD as Aspire, but I've used it every day for nearly 15 years. I actually do the vast majority of my drawing in AutoCAD. I even use an AutoCAD macro I wrote to export g-code directly from AutoCAD.

Where Aspire has an edge in drawing is with text and curves, and "artistic" ability. When you get to the 3D relief and sculpting, though, Aspire has a huge advantage over just about anything else unless you spend considerably more.

For those with little or no CAD experience, though, Aspire is extremely capable, and easy to use. It just doesn't have the mature toolset that 20 years of CAD development brings. But as each year brings a new version of Aspire, it's toolset expands greatly.

Originally Posted by Ger21

I would say that .... <snip snip (see above)> .... CAD development brings. But as each year brings a new version of Aspire, it's toolset expands greatly.

100% agree with everything you just said.

Now, why can't I explain things that good???

Currently I am doing most of my CAD work in Solidworks, then exporting to vectric cut2d or 3d.

The cut2d and 3d I wasn't that impressed with. Maybe that is the root cause of me starting this thread seeing as they are from the same company.

Thank you all for your input, I'll probably download the trial version this weekend and see how it goes.

My opinion is that none of Vectric's products is targeted to Solidworks users.

Cut 2D is their entry level program targeted to new cnc users who do their designing in a 2D CAD or drawing package. It has minimal design capabilities.

Cut 3D is basically an entry level 3D CAM program for cutting 3D polygon models. It has no design tools, and limited toolpath options. It's a very poor choice for "mechanical" type parts, as the toolpaths for those types of parts would be very inefficient, typically.

The best CAM programs to use with Solidworks are the types that can import solid models and detect there features. These typically cost several thousand dollars and up.

I would guess that if your intention is to use Aspire with Solidworks, than you probably will be disappointed, as that's really not what it's designed for.
Aspire excels at creating 3D reliefs. It's also an excellent 2.5D CAM program, with some pretty good design tools.

I see a lot of users that are unhappy with the CAM programs they try. A lot of the time, this is caused by unreasonable expectations. Or due to incorrect assumptions.

Hey All,

I also use Aspire and I love it.
Very versatile and very easy to use. But it is like anything, unless you make the effort to use it and learn it, it is just another package. I agree with Ger21 for the 3d relief stuff its absolutely great.

Cheers
Tony.

Although a different kind of carving this one was done is Aspire, both the picture and the frame
FinishedEyeLight.jpgFinishedEyeLight.jpg

Saisay,

What type of file did you start with?

A photo like this
EyeCatching.jpg
converted to greyscale
Sometimes it has to be tweaked a bit first but mostly Aspire will do its magic.
changed to greyscale then imported as a component, make the roughing toolpath and the finishing toolpath.