You can join patterns by placing a tangent line between two arcs or rounds, making the line tangent to either side of the arc or round. Select Edit > Join Patterns. The system prompts you to select two patterns. Move the pointer until the line stretches between the correct points of the two patterns. Click the left mouse button when you are satisfied with the placement.

Example 1: Joining Two Rounds

Create a new 10 x 10 part. Draw a 0.25 radius round at 5X 5Y, and then draw a 1.0 radius round at 7X 8Y. Select Edit > Join Patterns. The system prompts you to select the first pattern to join. Move the pointer onto the 0.25 radius round and click the left mouse button. The system prompts you to select the second pattern. Click the 1.0 radius round. Observe the line that forms between the two rounds. Move the pointer, and observe how the joining line stretches between the two patterns, attaching to the various possible starting and end points. When you are satisfied with the position, click the left mouse button. Experiment to determine how many different joins are possible between the two rounds.

Example 2: Joining Two Arcs

Create a new 10 x 10 part. Draw the first arc at 2X 1Y and specify a 0.25 radius, a starting angle of –90°, and a –180° moving angle. Draw the second arc at 4X 1Y and specify a 0.5 radius, a starting angle of 90°, and a -180° moving angle.

Select Edit > Join Patterns. Select the 0.25 radius round as the first pattern, and then select the 0.5 radius round as the second pattern. Move the pointer above the two original arcs. As you move the pointer, observe how the joining line stretches between the patterns. To position the line, click the left mouse button. Experiment to determine how many different joins are possible between the two arcs.