Summary

If geometry will not connect, disconnect, chain correctly, or behaves unexpectedly during editing, the underlying geometry may contain gaps, overlaps, duplicate entities, or imported CAD inconsistencies.

This article explains the most common causes and how to identify and correct them.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cause

Geometry connection problems are typically caused by issues within the geometry itself rather than a problem with GibbsCAM.

Common causes include:

  • Small gaps between endpoints

  • Duplicate geometry

  • Overlapping entities

  • Imported CAD geometry with fragmented curves

  • Tiny line or arc segments

  • Corrupted geometry

Resolution

Follow the steps below to identify the cause.


Step 1 – Rebuild the Geometry

  1. Select affected geometry.

  2. Use Ctrl+X or Edit>Cut.

  3. Use Ctrl+V  or Edit>Paste to Paste the geometry back in.

This will rebuild the geometry and may resolve the issue.


Step 2 – Verify the Geometry Actually Touches

  1. Inspect the endpoints where the geometry should connect.

Look for:

  • Small gaps

  • Overlapping lines

  • Duplicate entities

    1. Individually select and delete geometry entities to see if any remain after deletion.
      Use       Undo to retrieve deleted geometry.

  • Extra construction geometry

  1. Recreate the affected entities.


Step 3 – Inspect Imported CAD Geometry

Imported geometry may contain:

  • Very small line segments

  • Broken splines

  • Tiny gaps

  • Overlapping entities

  • Duplicate curves

If the imported geometry cannot be repaired easily, consider recreating the affected section directly in GibbsCAM.


Step 4 – Test with Newly Created Geometry

Create a simple rectangle or circle directly in GibbsCAM.

If the new geometry connects normally, the issue is likely isolated to the original imported or edited geometry rather than the software.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The Geometry Looks Connected but Will Not Chain

Cause

There is likely a very small gap or overlapping endpoint.

Resolution

Zoom in closely and repair the affected geometry.


Problem: Disconnect Removes More Geometry Than Expected

Cause

Multiple entities may already be connected or overlapping.

Resolution

Inspect the geometry for duplicate or overlapping entities before disconnecting.


Problem: Imported Geometry Behaves Incorrectly

Cause

The CAD file may contain fragmented or invalid geometry.

Resolution

Clean up the imported geometry or recreate the affected entities within GibbsCAM.


Problem: Toolpaths Will Not Recognize a Closed Shape

Cause

The profile is not completely closed.

Resolution

Locate and repair any gaps, overlaps, or missing entities before generating the toolpath.

Best Practices

  • Inspect imported geometry before programming.

  • Remove duplicate entities after importing CAD files.

  • Repair small gaps as soon as they are discovered.

  • Recreate damaged geometry instead of repeatedly editing it.

  • Verify that profiles are fully closed before creating toolpaths.

Expected Result

Geometry connects and disconnects normally, chain selection follows the intended profile, and toolpaths recognize closed boundaries without errors.

Related Articles

Keywords

Geometry, Connect, Disconnect, Chain, Chain Selection, Gap, Open Profile, Duplicate Geometry, Overlapping Geometry, Imported CAD, Spline, Curve, Endpoint, Broken Geometry