Please note: this document is geared towards users who already are familiar with the basics of Aspire. If this program is new to you, there are many in-depth video tutorials available online at Vectric’s website to help you get going:
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/support/aspire/aspire_tutorials_v3.htm
It will also be helpful to read through the first probe document before starting this one.
Overview
This document gives a brief overview of tools and techniques for working with 3D probe files in Aspire. It specifically covers working with probe models that were created in multiple parts, which is something you may encounter if you are creating large probe files.
In some situations it may be helpful to do a probe file in two parts or more. Using this wrench as an example, the widest part of the wrench is a little over 2”, while the handle is no wider than 7/8.” If we probe the entire wrench at 2,” it would waste a lot of time covering all that space around the handle. This is also useful information if your probe file is interrupted due to a power outage or other unexpected event, and you need to re-start halfway through.
Preparing the files
If your files are incomplete (they will be if your probe operation was interrupted before completing), you won’t be able to open them right away. Please refer to the instructions at the end of the first probe document on how to add the necessary closing statements to your files. Be sure to also create a readable .dxf by running your files through the probe to surface translator in the ShopBot control software. Instructions for this are also included in the previous document.
Opening the files in Aspire
Start a new file in Aspire and set up your job dimensions, then import your 3D components by clicking to File > Import > Import Component or 3D model. You may have to import the separate components one at a time. Now we are going to step through 4 basic tools and processes for bringing together two probe files. These steps are:
• Aligning components in the X and Y axes
• Adjusting the components for height
• Merging the two components
• Trimming the edges using boundary vectors
Aligning components
After importing the components, they will likely show up on the screen out of line with each other. In 2D view, you can double-click on a component to move it into position by either dragging it or using the arrow keys on the keyboard. It is helpful to tile your 2D and 3D horizontally to get a clearer view.
You can do this by clicking to View > Tile windows horizontal.
Adjusting for component height
As shown here, sometimes your components won’t line up properly in the Z-axis. This can happen if you had to re-zero the tool in between probe operations or made any adjustments to the depth settings from one file to the next. To correct this, double-click on the component that you want to change, and then click on the component properties tool (above right).
First, name the component. This will make things easier for you as you work with them later on. It is also helpful to change the combine mode to merge. This will give you a smoother transition between components.
Within the component properties toolbar, you can adjust both shape height and base height. The main difference between the two is that shape height will change the geometry of the component, while changing the base height will simply lift the shape up as if on a platform. To bring one component up to level with another, usually you would choose to adjust the base height only.
Merging components
Once you’re satisfied with the placement of the two components, you’ll probably want to merge them into one part for further use. In Aspire, this is called baking. Baking a single component makes any changes you’ve made a permanent part of that component. When applied to two components, it merges them together.
In the component tree window, select all the components you want to merge by holding down the shift key as you click on them. Then click on the Baking tool icon to merge them. Now you have one solid model.
Trimming the edges
You may want to clean up the edges of your model if they are ragged or uneven. Aspire has a tool for this, called clear area of selected component. It allows you to use a closed vector as a boundary and gives you the option of removing any part of a 3D component from inside or outside that vector.
Switch over to 2D drawing mode, and trace over the outline of the areas you want to trim. Think of this outline like a cookie cutter that will trim away excess material.
Now select both the vectors and component that you want to trim. Switch back to the modeling tab, and select the clear model inside/outside vectors button. If you find that you need to edit your outline vectors, just undo the clearing operation and switch back to the 2D drawing tab. Click on the vector and select the node editing tool to move the vectors towards or away from the edge of your model.
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