About this release
Aspire is Vectric's top package for CNC routing, and what separates it from their drafting focused tools is true three dimensional relief modelling. You draw or import 2D artwork, then push, pull and shape it into a raised relief, sculpting the surface much as you would clay, until a flat design becomes a carved dimensional form. From there the same program generates the toolpaths and the machine code to cut it on a router.
The modelling tools are aimed at decorative and sign work rather than engineering. Vectors become raised or recessed shapes with adjustable profiles, components stack and blend into layered compositions, textures tile across a surface, and a photo can be converted into a relief for a carved portrait effect. Because it holds the whole job, the artwork, the 3D model and the machining, from sketch to finished sign never leaves the one application.
The toolpath side covers what a router shop needs, profile and pocket cutting, drilling, V carving for crisp lettering, and roughing then finishing passes for the 3D reliefs, with a full cut preview that shows the carved result before the machine runs. This build installs in an activated state with the modelling, the toolpaths and the post processors for common controllers all available.
What it does
- True 3D relief modelling from 2D artwork
- Vectors shaped into raised or recessed forms with profiles
- Layered components that stack and blend into a composition
- Texture tiling across a surface
- Photo to relief conversion for carved portrait effects
- V carving for crisp lettering and fine detail
- Profile, pocket and drilling toolpaths for 2D work
- Roughing and finishing passes for the 3D reliefs
- Full cut preview of the carved result before machining
- Post processors for common router controllers
Changes in this version
- Improved photo to relief conversion detail
- Faster toolpath calculation on large reliefs
- Reworked component blending controls
- Better cut preview accuracy on fine V carving
- Updated post processors for recent controllers
What the package contains
- Vectric Aspire Pro full offline installer
- Component, texture and clipart starter library
- Post processor set for common router controllers
- All interface languages
- Readme with the install order written out step by step
Installation notes
Follow these in order. Most reports of a failed install come from skipping a step rather than from the package itself.
- Disconnect from the network before you start.
- Turn off real time protection for the duration of the install.
- Extract the archive to a short path such as C:\Setup.
- Run setup as administrator and complete the wizard.
- Apply the included activation step, then launch once and close it.
- Reconnect to the network.
System requirements
| Operating system | Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel or AMD quad core or better |
| Memory | 8 GB minimum, 16 GB for large detailed reliefs |
| Graphics | GPU with 2 GB VRAM, 4 GB for heavy 3D work |
| Storage | 5 GB free for the install and library |
| Display | 1920 by 1080 or larger |
Things worth knowing
- Always run the cut preview before you post, it shows the carved result and catches a mistake cheaply.
- Load the post processor that matches your router controller, the code dialect is machine specific.
- Detailed reliefs and photo carvings are memory heavy, give the machine headroom.
Questions about this title
What does Aspire add over the simpler Vectric tools?
Can it turn a photo into a carving?
Does it make the machine code?
Is it for engineering parts?
What people are saying
Draw the sign, sculpt the relief, cut it, all in one program. V carved lettering comes out crisp every time.
Turned a photo into a carved portrait on oak and it looked incredible. The preview matched the result exactly.
Posted clean code for my controller and the roughing and finishing passes ran perfectly. Whole job in one place.
Listing information
This entry is catalogued under CAD & 3D and carries the tags below. Language coverage is Multilingual, 10 interface languages, and the supported platform list is Windows 10, Windows 11. Version 12.509 is the current catalogued build, last checked 1 week ago, and the entry has been in the index since it was added 1 year ago.