The technique called section views is used to improve the visualization of new designs, clarify multiview drawings, and facilitate the dimensioning of drawings. For example, orthographic drawings of complicated mechanical parts can be very difficult to visualize and dimension. Section views can be used to reveal interior features of an object that are not easily represented using hidden lines. Architectural drawings use section views to reveal the interior details of walls, ceilings, and floors. Three-dimensional geometric models created with CAD can be sectioned to reveal interior features and assist in the design of complex systems.
Section views use a technique that is based on passing an imaginary cutting plane through a part to reveal interior features. Creating section views requires visualization skills and adherence to strict standards and conventional practices. This chapter will explain the theory for creating section views, the important conventional practices used for section views, and will show examples of standard practices.