 What is Vector Art 3D?Vector Art 3D is an online resource for customers who want to cut artistic designs on their CNC machines. The files on the site have been developed for CNC Routing, Milling and Engraving. The applications to use these models are almost limitless. Traditionally producing 3D parts on a CNC is considered to be difficult, time consuming and expensive. Our aim is to make it affordable and easy to produce beautiful Dimensional CNC parts. At Vector Art 3D you will find not only superior dimensional clipart but also services to order custom designs and get training or consultancy. We also offer Products to support VCarving 2D Designs and even software to cut our 3D models.
 What makes us unique? Vector Art 3D is different from any other dimensional clipart. Our artwork is designed specifically for CNC production and we guarantee to provide you with clean, high quality 3D models. We only work with a select group of sculptors and digital artists to provide you with the best designs. This ensures that we can maintain a high level of quality control and that we own the license to publish our models. Another unique feature of Vector Art 3D is that we offer “recessed” styles which are easy to use by simply carving them into the flat face of the part. In order to help you choose your models we offer the no-cost Vector Art 3D Viewer. This will allow you to download our special V3V files and preview them in full 3D. This unique resource lets you choose the exact model you want. It can also be an excellent sales tool to show customers and let them decide on the 3D model they want on their parts! Parts can be rotated and shaded, images can be saved to print or email to your customers. As well as the 3D clipart we also sell a selection of Vector Art 2D vector images specifically for VCarving, this specially selected collection draws the best VCarving images from the Vector Art Mega, 1, Mega2 and Mega 3 vector collections.
 What's on the site? The primary focus is to provide dimensional clipart for production on a CNC machine, we therefore offer an ever increasing selection of 3D models which can be browsed, purchased and downloaded. You can use our catalogue to find what you need or search the database. As well as the clipart we recommend Software which will work with our designs and also sell our own Software solutions for VCarving or 3D machining. If you have idease and suggestions for other things we can offer or do better please email us at info@vectorart3d.com.
What is the benefit of cutting 3D parts? A part with 3D decoration typically sells for 2 to 4 times the cost of one without. In the past the benefit of this has been offset by the fact that cutting 3D models has required the use of high cost software, skilled staff and a steep learning curve. Using our models dramatically reduces the set-up cost for cutting 3D parts. This makes it easy to offer your customers reasonably priced dimensional products or to add 3D customization to your existing products. To learn more about the benefits of using 3D clipart to create dimensional products read the article on Making Money with Vector Art 3D.
 What is the best way to use the 3D models? The 3D models come in three formats - V3M, STL and RLF. V3M models are specially designed to work with Vector Art 3D Machinist (our own FREE 3D carving software). This is the easiest and most cost efficient way to carve our 3D models. STL models are more general format that read into many 3D design and machining software programs (typically known as CAD/CAM). Software which can work with our STL models includes: EnRoute Pro, Cut3D, Millwizard, MeshCAM, RAMS 3D, DeskProto, VisualMill, Rhino and many others. RLF (ArtCAM Relief) is a proprietary format which is used by ArtCAM Pro. If your software allows you to design in 3D (CAD) then you may be able to load the models and use them as components in a design. If your software is just for machining the models (CAM) then you can typically load the model, scale it to an appropriate size, select suitable tooling and produce code to cut the part on your CNC machine. The best way to check compatiblity is to try the free models we offer or to contact your software supplier and ask them if the software can load an STL models. Our files are also available for users of the CarveWright and CompuCarve carving system from LHR Technologies and can be purchased in the PTN format through the Pattern Depot on their website: http://patterns.carvewright.com.
Why are the models provided in several styles? Vector Art 3D is dedicated to making files that can easily be used to create a high value dimensional product. The different styles we offer can be used in many different applications. Style A is a raised part which can be machined as a product in its own right or cutout and used as applique. This is also the format you would choose if you wanted to use the 3D model as a component in design software. Style B and C are both recessed designs. This means you can take a flat object (such as a cabinet door) and machine the design into the surface. As the entire dimensional shape is below the plane you will end up with a 3D image with less material removal. This means you can easily add it to any product, then just need to apply a finish to complete the "3D" part. To learn more about the technical specifications of the models look at the Specifications section of the Information Center. To learn more about the business ideas and benefits of the styles check the Benefits of Styles section in the Information Center.
 How many times can you cut the models? Once you buy a model from us the license allows you to cut the part as many times as you want (check the license agreement when you purchase for information on using the models to make mass-production parts). Your software should allow you to scale and size the design to use on many different projects or as a component in more complex 3D models. The great thing is that every time you use the models you amortize the cost even further. A $25 design cut 10 times has only cost $2.50 per machined item and this keeps reducing the more you use it.
What settings do I use to cut the parts?
Vector Art 3D models have so many applications and can be used by such a wide variety of software packages that it is impossible to give specific guidlines on cutting the parts. You can find some useful information about the standard setup of the parts in the Machining section of the Information Center. We recommend contacting the support department of your software or tooling supplier to ask them for help with working with our parts if you are not sure. Feel free to have them email us if they have questions at info@vectorart3d.com. You can also watch the tutorial Videos on the Free 3D machinist download page for hints and tips.
How do I get started? If you are new to 3D machining and do not have a 3D software package then we would recommend downloading the Free 3D Machinist software and our free trial models. You can use these to practice cutting 3D parts and create some samples to show your customers 3D capabilities. You might also want to look at the Starter Collection which is a very economical way to buy a great selection of our models to get you going with carving amazing 3D parts on your CNC machine.
This quick guide is designed as an overview of what we do at Vector Art 3D. For more in depth information please see the articles in the Information Center or e-mail us with any specific questions info@vectorart3d.com.
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