Laser Module

The Laser Module extends the functionality of VCarve or Aspire and is currently only available to selected BETA testers while in development. This documentation is provided to support this testing process and this notice will be removed once the module is available for purchase.

Please note: The Laser Module has been created and tested for use with OptLaser or J-Tech laser retrofit kits on Shapoko and X-Carve CNC machines using GRBL controllers - other machines, lasers or controllers cannot be supported at this time.

The Laser Module is a paid add-on for Aspire which adds the following additional functionality:

• The ability to create Laser Cut and Fill Toolpaths
• The ability to create Laser Picture Toolpaths
• The ability to simulate a Laser Toolpath

The Laser Cut - Fill Toolpath

I called my tool “Laser Beam 0.003”. If you want to go crazy, you could setup dozens of tools with default values that work well with certain materials. You could name the tools “1/8 Plywood laser cut” or “6mm Acrylic laser cut”, for example. Aspire boasts all of the features of Cut2D and VCarve with added 3D design tools which enable you to create your own 3D relief models and machine them with 3D strategies. Aspire’s unique 3D modeling tools coupled with the comprehensive set of 2D design and editing tools make it easy to create your own designs from scratch. Clearance (Z1) and Plunge (Z2) The Clearance (Z1) is the most important setting. This is the height above the job at which it is safe for the cutter to move at rapid or maximum feed rate. The software will raise the bottom of the cutter to this height when it traverses the material. The Plunge (Z2) is an added feature.

Laser Cut - Fill Toolpath is used for cutting out shapes or marking areas.

Laser Level

Cut-outs can take into account the kerf, or width, of the laser beam to maintain the precise internal or external size the selected vector shapes. Shapes can also be filled with stripes or hatching to create simple shading effects.

The Laser Picture Toolpath

The Laser Picture toolpath uses the laser and through varying the power of the laser etches a copy of the selected bitmap onto the surface of your material.

Simulating Laser Toolpaths

Like all other toolpaths the laser toolpaths can be simulated. However, in the case of laser toolpaths, the simulation does not remove any material but instead marks the surface of the current simulation model. This marking is meant to simulate the charring of the material when scorched by the laser.

Vectric Aspire Laser Tool Download

Vectric Aspire Laser Tool Software

Due to the many combinations of laser, power, material and feed rate, it will be necessary to calibrate the simulation so that the simulation output matches the real-world results. This calibration can be done by modifying the Maximum Burn Rate property of a given tool. This is the maximum speed at which the tool, when at 100% power, will still burn the material. This means that a greater value will result in the simulated toolpath appearing darker. This value can be set in the Tool Database. We suggest you cut a sample file with the material and power settings that you would typically use and then adjust the Maximum Burn Rate so that the simulation matches your achieved results.