Polyline continuity

[Benson Shaw]

Is there an easy and comprehensive way to check a polyline or decomposed polyline for continuity and remove piled up points or overlapping segments? Either within Vectorworks or through other Mac software? Continuous vector paths are often required to guide computer controlled machinery such as laser and waterjet cutters, mills, lathes, routers, etc.

Discontinuity can happen in lots of ways, but stops or confuses the CNC machine, causing expense from delays or ruined parts. Part of a polyline can mistakenly be drawn on top of an earlier segment or arc. The trace bitmap command might return thousands of points piled up on top of each other. The dxf of an Adobe Illustrator path could import with lots of points and segments piled on top of each other. All these situations are difficult to see or assess with edit polyline tool or decompose/compose commands. Offset tool is a common approach, but complicated paths with lots of points do not always offset, even when continuous.

Any experience out there?

-B

[mike m oz]

Benson - Have a look at the following VectorBits plug-ins:

VB Optimize Drawing (US$30)

VB Chain Maker (US$20)

These may do what you want. http://vectorbits.com/

[ 09-06-2005, 05:17 AM: Message edited by: mike m oz ]

[Benson Shaw]

thanks, Mike - I checked the demo's. These tools may help with my needs.

--B