AiSpire – AI‑Powered Design and Machining for Vectric Aspire/V-Carve

AiSpire bridges the gap between large language models and industrial CAD/CAM workflows by exposing a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that speaks directly to Vectric’s Aspire and V‑Carve software. It solves the problem of manual, repetitive design tasks that are traditionally performed in a graphical interface by providing an AI‑driven command layer. Developers can now write natural‑language prompts that translate into Lua code, vector operations, or toolpath calculations, all executed inside the native CAD/CAM environment. This dramatically accelerates prototyping, custom part generation, and rapid iteration on complex machining strategies.

At its core, AiSpire consists of a Lua gadget that runs inside Aspire/V‑Carve and a Python MCP server that communicates with large language models over standard sockets. The gadget exposes the full Vectric SDK, enabling AI assistants to manipulate 2‑D vectors, import and modify 3‑D models, optimize nesting for material utilization, and generate CNC toolpaths for a variety of machining strategies (V‑carving, fluting, prism carving, etc.). The MCP server translates LLM output into executable Lua commands and returns results or error messages back to the assistant, creating a seamless two‑way dialogue.

Key capabilities include:

• Dynamic Lua execution – Run arbitrary scripts within the CAD/CAM session, allowing on‑the‑fly adjustments to geometry or tool parameters.
• Vector and 3‑D model manipulation – Create, transform, and combine shapes programmatically with matrix operations and SDK functions.
• Toolpath generation – Leverage Aspire’s advanced strategies to produce CNC-ready paths, with full control over job types (two‑sided, rotary) and tool databases.
• Interactive UI – A built‑in control panel displays logs, command history, and connection status, giving developers visibility into the AI’s actions.

Real‑world scenarios that benefit from AiSpire include rapid product customization (e.g., generating personalized engraving or part geometry from user input), automated batch processing of design files, and on‑demand toolpath optimization for new material batches. In an AI workflow, a developer can embed AiSpire calls into a chatbot or voice assistant, allowing designers to issue high‑level instructions such as “Create a two‑sided V‑carve of this part with 1 mm clearance” and receive instant, executable results without leaving the CAD environment.

What sets AiSpire apart is its tight integration with Vectric’s SDK, providing AI models access to the same low‑level APIs that power commercial CAM workflows. This ensures that generated designs are immediately usable for machining, reducing the need for manual correction and enabling a truly AI‑driven design pipeline.