Just started using Aspire

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PacificWave
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Just started using Aspire

Post by PacificWave »

Looking to start a thread to help use Aspire for Routing. I just began using it this week for work and it seems more difficult than something like the SAI programs.
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Re: Just started using Aspire

Post by adbuch »

I have been using VCarve Pro/Aspire for over 5 years now and find both programs pretty straight forward to use. Use the post processor for G-Code inches to create your g-code for import to Design Edge. What are your specific questions about using Aspire?

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Re: Just started using Aspire

Post by adbuch »

Here is a sample part to show the process.
First create your cut paths in Aspire and save as g-code inches.
profile1.jpg
profile2.jpg

The Video Manual has information about the software settings (either with or without the 3D upgrade).
Plasmacam Router Attachment Instructions.pdf
(2.1 MiB) Downloaded 77 times

Import the g-code to Design Edge.
import gcode 1.jpg
import gcode 2.jpg
If you have the 3D upgrade, then you can use the 3D path properties to see the details of the cutter movements.
3D path properties 1.jpg
3D path properties 2.jpg
cut preview.jpg
If you don't have the 3D upgrade, you can still import the g-code files and set you Height Control manually.

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Re: Just started using Aspire

Post by 34by151 »

I use aspire to clean up dxf files before cutting
Found it to be the quickest and easiest way to do that

For Routing I do the tooling in aspire
For plasma Cutting I do the tooling in sheetcam

I dont use aspire for design work
For that I use Solidworks and save my parts as dxf, cleanup and add layers in Aspire
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Re: Just started using Aspire

Post by 34by151 »

aspire.jpg
Open your DXF
1,2,3 to clean-up
Scale it if needed
Add your layers
Do your tooling and off to cutting
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Re: Just started using Aspire

Post by adbuch »

34by151 wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:32 pm
aspire.jpg
Open your DXF
1,2,3 to clean-up
Scale it if needed
Add your layers
Do your tooling and off to cutting
That is a great "Cheat Sheet" for your 1,2,3 process!!

That is a great way to do it if you don't have access to Design Edge for clean-up/linking/joining/etc. The OP apparently does have Design Edge. But yes I agree that VCarve Pro/Aspire is a great tool for node editing, etc. I know that Stan Kern (who shows many demonstration videos using the LogicTrace/Calcomp digitizer combination) does use Aspire for his node editing clean-up of the dxf files saved by LogicTrace from his hand traces. In fact in one of his early videos he went over this in detail.

David

Note: It is my assumption that the OP does have Design Edge since he has started this thread in the Plasmacam Design Edge section of the forum. But perhaps I am wrong and he is simply wanting to know more about using Aspire.
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