How do I create a 3D relief model to use as a profile/cross-section for parametric wall art in Aspire?

Creating a 3D Relief Model as a Profile or Cross-Section for Parametric Art

Applies to: Aspire 12.5. The profile is built with Create Shape or Two Rail Sweep (Aspire only). The Slice Model step used to get the layer vectors is in both products.

This technique is the foundation for large-scale parametric or modular 3D wall art. You build a small 3D relief that defines the profile shape, then use it to generate the 2D cutting vectors for the layers.

The Concept

Parametric wall art typically consists of many 2D pieces cut from sheet material and assembled to create a 3D illusion. The workflow is:

1. Create a 3D relief model that represents the profile of the finished art
2. Use that 3D model to produce a 2D vector for each layer
3. Nest and cut those 2D shapes from sheet material
4. Assemble the stacked layers to recreate the 3D form

Building the Profile Relief

Start simple: one profile vector is enough

Draw a single 2D vector that represents the profile silhouette of your design. This could be a wave, an arch, a stepped contour, or any shape. Even a simple curved line becomes a striking relief.

Use Two Rail Sweep for consistent cross-sections

If your art has a consistent cross-section running along a path:

• Draw two rail vectors (the path edges)
• Draw the cross-section profile
• Two Rail Sweep creates the 3D form

Use Create Shape for simpler domed or angled profiles

• Select your boundary vector
• Choose the Round, Angled or Smooth tool
• Adjust base height and peak height to define the relief depth

Getting a Vector for Each Layer

Create Vector Boundary traces only the outermost silhouette of the selected components, and changing the base height does not change that silhouette. To get one vector per layer, use Slice Model instead:

1. Open Slice Model on the Modeling tab
2. Set Slice Thickness to your sheet thickness (or use Number of Slices)
3. Tick Create Boundary Vectors
4. Click Slice Model. Each slice becomes its own component, and the boundary vector for each slice is placed on the same layer as that slice's component preview, ready for a Profile cut

The Create Cross Section Vector tool is also useful here: it makes an open vector of the profile along a line you choose across the model.

Alternatively, use the 3D model visually as a template

With the 3D model visible, draw 2D shapes in the 2D view that match the contours you want to cut. Use snapping and guides to trace the profile slices manually for more artistic control.

Design Tips for Wall Art

• Keep the total layer count manageable, because every layer adds cutting and assembly time
• Use consistent material thickness so layer spacing is predictable
• Design assembly registration marks or slots into each layer so pieces align during assembly
• Add tabs or connection points between pieces that will be on the same sheet

Common Mistakes

• Making the 3D model too complex. Simple clean profiles read better when stacked
• Not accounting for material thickness in the layer spacing
• Forgetting to leave registration features for assembly alignment