The Form composite edges operation forms a composite edge for each connected edge component of the selected edges by ignoring the vertices between the edges, as shown in Figure 7-24. This means that it is possible to include several nonconnected groups of edges in the same operation. A vertex is only ignored if there are two edges connected to the vertex. All edges in the geometry must have distinct start and end points. the software will ensure this by preserving or inserting extra vertices, if necessary.

Removing vertices gives the mesh algorithm more freedom. A geometry vertex needs to be respected when creating a mesh, which may put unwanted constraints on the mesh if there are unnecessary vertices. Alternative operations to use are Collapse Edges, Ignore Vertices, and Merge Vertices. The Remove Details operation provides a fully automated way to create composite edges.

To use the operation, in the Geometry toolbar, from the Virtual Operations menu (), select Form Composite Edges (). Then enter the properties of the operation using the following sections:

Select the edges that you want to composite in the Graphics window. They then appear in the Edges to composite list. If the geometry sequence includes user-defined selections above the Form Composite Edges node, choose Manual to select edges, or choose one of the selection nodes from the list next to Edges to composite.

Click the Active button to toggle between turning ON and OFF the Edges to composite selections.

Use the Keep input for mesh control check box to specify that the selected edges are composed in the geometry but the vertices are available individually when you build the mesh. See also Mesh Control Vertices.