Can I import a full 3D STL figure into a VCarve Pro rotary job?

The answer

Yes. VCarve Pro (like Aspire) can import an external 3D model, such as an STL of a full-round figure like a statue, column, or finial, directly into a rotary job and machine it wrapped. The official user guide has a dedicated tutorial: "Importing External Models in a Rotary Project."

The workflow

1. Rotary Job Setup: enter cylinder diameter and length, and choose orientation (along X is most common).
2. Import the model (Model > Import Component / 3D Model). V12.5 added an orientation gizmo for rotary imports. Use it to align the model's axis with the rotation axis.
3. Scale the model to the blank; the model is unrolled onto the wrapped job.
4. Toolpath with wrapped 3D Roughing, then 3D Finishing (an along-axis raster is typical), plus wrapped profile cuts for the ends.
5. Save with a wrapping post-processor.

The constraints

• No undercuts. Wrapped 3-axis machining can't reach surfaces facing away from the tool (see the rotary undercuts entry). Most statues and figures have some, so expect webbing there or design around it.
• VCarve Pro allows a single imported third-party model per job (multiple models are allowed in the software maker's own formats), so the rotary STL is your one external model for that job.
• Model resolution versus cylinder size follows the same raster rules as flat jobs (see the jagged-components entry).