On this page you can find detailed information on getting the best from our website. There are four sections which take you through making sure our models will work with your CNC, knowing what you see is what you need, ensuring you get your models as quickly as possible and finally the benefits of being a Vector Art 3D customer. These are covered under the following headings: Each of these has a 5-10 minute video showing you exactly how to use the features discussed. Existing customers can click on the links above to go to the relevant section or if your a new customer start with the section immediately below this. 1 Testing Compatibility
Look at our list of Supported Software Download Free Sample Models to test your software
You can download 4 models in all 3 of our styles (12 models in all) from our Free Model Page – (remember you need to login or create an account to access these), these can be used to confirm they will work with your software and to generate toolpaths to test carve the samples on your machine. Once you successfully carve a part then you can work with any of our models in that file format in the same way.
Download Free software and samples if you do not have a compatible solution
If you do not have software already or do not see your software in the list then you can download our FREE Vector Art 3D Machinist software - this is fully functional CAM software that is limited to work with our proprietary V3M file format. From the Machinist page you can request the software install, download free models and view tutorial videos on how to use it. This can all be used to test carve the samples on your CNC machine, again if you are successful with Machinist then you know you can work with any of the file on the site in V3M format.
Either way you can confirm your setup will work with our models without spending any money on buying files from us.
2 Before You Buy
Detailed Preview Images
On any detail page for a model you can click on the “Top View” or “Angle View” to get a larger image of the part looking down the Z axis (same as the thumbnails) or at an isometric angle.
Free 3D Preview Model for use with the free VA3D Viewer Software
.jpg) Free EPS Vector Outline
An additional option available from the detail page is the ability to download the outline vector (silhouette) of the model/style in eps format. This can be imported into compatible design programs to help you layout your design in 2D or even to use as a cut-out vector if you purchase the 3D model.
We believe these features offer the user the opportunity to ensure that they and their customer will be happy with their purchase and get the best value from it.
3 Making Your Purchase
Purchase Individual Download Models or Disk Collections
Models can be purchase as individual downloads or in one of our 3D Collections it should be noted that the collections only include about 25% of the models on the site. As you browse individual models you can see at the base of their detail page if they are included in a collection. If you can see yourself using 20% or more of the models in a collection then that may be a more economical option for buying the models than individual downloads. it is also possible to use our Wish List feature to build your own custom collection of downloadable models and receive discounts up to 50% off our standard pricing.
Discounts for multiple styles and large orders
When purchasing individual models it helps to be logged in so you can see previously purchased items and also allow you to checkout whenever you want. There are various discounts when buying individual models for download. Firstly buying all 3 styles is less than buying two so if you need more than one style it’s always better to get all 3. As you add models to your cart, orders over $100 will receive an automatic 20% discount and orders over $200 receive an automatic 30% discount. Once you are ready to check-out you can use either a major credit card or PayPal to pay for your purchase.
Receiving your purchase download email
Immediately that your purchase is declared successful then you will be sent two emails, one is a receipt for your payment and the other will contain the download link to access your file/s. If you do not receive one or both of these then you can check your junk/bulk mail folder, anti-virus software or contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to see if any of these have intercepted the email (which will come from info@vectorart3d.com). This is a rare problem and normally if you find out where the email was stopped you can change settings to make sure it does not happen again. You should normally get your email within a few minutes of placing your order assuming the email is getting through without problem.
Testing the Download Procedure
Once you get your download email then you can click on the link to access your files. We have a Download Test Page to verify your settings for downloading the files which you can work through prior to placing an order. Problems are very rare and can normally be fixed by working through the steps on the test page.
4 After Sales Resources
Access to Previously Purchased Files
You can review and request a new download for any previous orders you have placed, this includes the option to change the file format as well (at no cost). To access this you need to first Log-In to your account. Next you should click on the link to “View Purchase History/Download Files”. To get the order you want to re-download then click the link to “Download ALL” to be sent a new download email for that particular order. At this stage you can also change the file format. You will see a box with a drop down list to choose the file-format you want, select either RLF, STL or V3M and click “Change ALL” to change all your previous orders to this new file format. Then click the “Download ALL” link to be sent a new email link for the new format choice.
Show previously purchased files as you browse the site
Login before you start browsing the site and then when you look at any models detail page that you already own it will show you that you previously purchased them and the file format bought.
Download an unbranded PDF catalog of all the models on the site
Login to your account and on the Returning Customer page (which you see when you first login) you will get a link to “Unbranded PDF Catalog”. This is a PDF document which has all the files on the site in it that is updated monthly with the new models. There is no branding for Vector Art 3D, other than a small copyright and no pricing, so it’s ideal to show customers. To download we recommend RIGHT mouse clicking the link and using the “Save Target As…” or “Save Link As…” options to choose a folder on your PC to save it to. This is around 40Mb so will take several minutes to download even on a fast connection.
Apply to have an online catalog of our files
Login to your account and on the Returning Customer page (which you see when you first login) you will see a link to “Apply to have an online catalog”. Click this and fill out the information and if your approved you will be sent a link for an version of our online library branded with your company info which can be a standalone site or embedded into your current website. This is a powerful tool to allow customers to choose from the models we have available on the website. We normally approve applicants within 72 hours of applying.
We hope you find this summary and the videos of the website features useful and take advantage of them to get the most benefit and value from Vector Art 3D. Any questions on this then please email us at info@vectorart3d.com
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