20.17.5 Modifying Sketcher objects by merging edges

Small gaps can occur in Sketcher objects when you import sketch geometry or when you use the Project Edges tool on edges that are not in a plane parallel to the sketch plane. The Merge tool from the Sketcher toolbox closes these small gaps by moving one or more vertices near the gap to a point on the other side.

Note: When you merge edges, Abaqus/CAE can close the gap by moving one vertex to coincide with the other or by moving both vertices to a location between them. If you want to control the changes to your sketch, you can constrain the line or point that you want to retain its current location before performing the merge operation.

Abaqus/CAE enables you to choose the vertex that you want to remain stationary, and the merge operation moves any vertices within a specified tolerance radius across the gap to share the same point as your selected vertex. Figure 20–26 shows a simple merge operation, closing the upper gap between two sketcher objects.

Figure 20–26 Merging edges

Note: The Merge tool is intended only for closing small gaps. Merging edges to close larger gaps may change the sketch geometry significantly. If you want to move elements in a sketch over a large distance, use the drag tool to move vertices in your sketch to a new location. For more information, see “Dragging Sketcher objects,” Section 20.17.1.

To merge edges:

From the modify tools in the Sketcher toolbox, select the Merge tool . For a diagram of the tools in the Sketcher toolbox, see “The Sketcher tools,” Section 20.4.1.
Abaqus/CAE displays prompts in the prompt area to guide you through the procedure.
Select at least two vertices near the small gap.
Click Done in the prompt area.
Abaqus/CAE prompts you for a Tolerance number for this merge operation.
Enter a value for the tolerance, or accept the default value of 0.001. Then either press Enter, or click mouse button 2.
Abaqus/CAE allows you to increase the tolerance, but you should avoid merges that change the sketch geometry significantly.
If any vertices are within the selected tolerance, Abaqus/CAE merges them to the location of the vertex you selected in Step 2.
To merge more edges, repeat the above steps beginning with Step 2.
When you have finished merging edges, do one of the following:
- Click mouse button 2 anywhere in the Abaqus/CAE window.
- Select any tool in the Sketcher toolbox.
- Click the cancel button in the prompt area.

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