Tutorial 10: Complete Vase Design Workflow

Step 1

Define the design brief

For this tutorial, we will create a decorative table vase with these specifications:
- Total height: 120 mm
- Base diameter: 60 mm (radius 30 mm)
- Body diameter: 90 mm (radius 45 mm) at the widest point
- Neck diameter: 50 mm (radius 25 mm)
- Rim diameter: 65 mm (radius 32.5 mm) — slightly flared
- Surface: subtle organic texture with a twist
- Mode: Spiral (vase mode, no seam)

Step 2

Create a new G-code Sculptor project

Go to File → New and select G-code Sculptor. Set the Total Height to 120 mm in the Shape Curve card.

Step 3

Set up the control points

Using the Profile Points table for precise values:
1. Set the bottom point to ⌀ 60 mm (radius 30 mm)
2. Add a point (double-click at ~35% height). Set it to Height 42 mm, ⌀ 90 mm — this is the widest part of the belly
3. Add a point at Height 85 mm, ⌀ 50 mm — this is the narrow neck
4. Set the top point to ⌀ 65 mm — the flared rim

Step 4

Shape the Bézier curves

Ensure all points are in Smooth mode, then:
1. On the belly point (42 mm height) — pull the outgoing handle upward and slightly inward for a gentle slope toward the neck. Pull the incoming handle downward for a round belly shape.
2. On the neck point (85 mm height) — keep handles relatively short for a tight, defined neck transition.
3. On the top point — pull the incoming handle slightly outward and downward for a gentle rim flare.

Step 5

Verify printability

Examine the profile curve colors (in either the side-panel canvas or on the in-viewport overlay — both show the same data):
- The belly section should be in the safe accent color (gradual outward curve)
- The transition from belly to neck should be safe accent shading into yellow (inward curve)
- The neck to rim section should be in the safe accent color (slight outward flare)

If any section shows red, adjust the handles to make the transition more gradual, or add an intermediate point to soften the curve.

Step 6

Stack two effects

Switch to the Effects tab and add:
1. Twist — set the rotation to 45 degrees. This adds a gentle spiral twist to the entire shape.
2. Noise — set the depth to 0.8 mm and scale to a medium value. This adds subtle organic bumps across the surface.

The 3D preview now shows a twisted vase with a slightly bumpy, handmade-looking texture.

Step 7

Adjust for visual balance

Orbit the 3D preview and evaluate:
- Is the twist visible but not overwhelming? Adjust rotation if needed.
- Is the noise texture too coarse or too fine? Adjust the scale parameter.
- Toggle each effect on/off to see its individual contribution.
- Try reordering (Noise above Twist vs below) to see the visual difference.

Step 8

Set up the Print tab

Switch to the Print tab and configure:
1. Printer preset — select your printer (bed size, nozzle size)
2. Nozzle diameter — typically 0.4 mm (affects the wall thickness)
3. Layer height — 0.2 mm for a balanced finish, or 0.15 mm for smoother
4. Print speed — 30–40 mm/s for textured surfaces (slower gives cleaner results)
5. Temperature — appropriate for your filament (200°C for PLA, 230°C for PETG)

Step 9

Complete review

Before exporting, do a final review:
1. Orbit the 3D preview from all angles — check for visual consistency
2. Look at the base — is it wide enough to be stable?
3. Check the neck — is it strong enough to support the rim above?
4. Verify overhang — all in the safe accent color or yellow zones?
5. Check dimensions — Total Height, widest diameter, narrowest point all match your plan?

Step 10

Export your vase

Click the Export button in the toolbar. Choose G-code format. Select a filename and save location. The file is ready to print — load it onto your printer via SD card, USB, or network transfer.