2D Design: Joining Vectors

Carveco Tutorial: Joining Vectors

When vectors are not properly joined, Carveco may not be able to create toolpaths—especially if the design contains overlapping or open segments. This tutorial shows you how to identify, join, and fix disconnected vectors for clean machining. This tutorial is essential for when you start to utilise the vector doctor, to calculate toolpaths.

🔹 Step 1: Identifying Unjoined Vectors

• Select your design and look for separate vector segments.
• If you click on one part and the entire object isn’t highlighted, the vectors are not joined.
• Unjoined vectors will cause toolpath issues such as overlap errors or a failure to calculate.

🔹 Step 2: Attempting a Toolpath (Optional Demo)

• Try generating an Area Clearance Toolpath.
• If vectors are not closed, you'll get an error like:
  "Two or more of the selected vectors overlap each other."
• This indicates the vectors need to be properly joined before machining.

🔹 Step 3: Join Vectors with Coincident Nodes

• Select all vectors (press Ctrl + A).
• Click Join Vectors with Coincident Nodes from the left panel.
• Check the tolerance (e.g., 0.001 inches by default).
• Review:
  • Vectors before joining (e.g., 11)
  • Vectors after joining (should ideally be 1)
• Click Join to complete.

🔹 Step 4: Adjusting Tolerance

• If vectors don’t join, the gaps may be too large.
• Increase the tolerance value gradually:
  • Try 0.01 or 0.1 inches
• If the vectors still won’t join, consider using the method below.

🔹 Step 5: Closing Gaps Manually

• If there's a visible gap at the ends of a shape, use Close Vector with a Line.
• This tool adds a straight line to connect open ends.
• You can also choose to close with:
  • Curve (radius)
  • Move ends – not recommended as it alters the shape

🔹 Summary & Best Practices

• Use Join Vectors for small gaps with coincident ends.
• Use Close Vector with Line for shapes that don’t align perfectly.
• Always double-check that your final design is a single closed vector before creating toolpaths.

Properly joined vectors are essential