In this tutorial, we will learn how to show only specific sections in a SolidWorks drawing. Sometimes, you may have a large assembly or part that includes multiple features or components, and it can be overwhelming to display everything at once. By showing only the sections that are relevant, you can improve clarity and focus on specific areas of interest.
Step 1: Open the Drawing
To get started, open the SolidWorks drawing that you want to work with. This could be a new drawing or an existing one.
Step 2: Activate the Section View Tool
Next, locate the “Section View” tool in the SolidWorks toolbar. It is represented by an icon with a rectangular shape cut by a diagonal line.
Note: The location of the “Section View” tool may vary depending on your version of SolidWorks and customization settings.
Step 3: Select the Section Plane
Click on the “Section View” tool to activate it. Once activated, move your mouse cursor over the desired location where you want to create a section view.
Note: A section plane is an imaginary cutting plane that defines how sections are created in SolidWorks. It determines what will be visible and what will be hidden in the drawing.
Step 4: Adjust Section Plane Orientation
After selecting the section plane location, click and drag your mouse to adjust its orientation. You can rotate it by moving your mouse clockwise or counterclockwise.
Note: The orientation of the section plane determines which parts of your model will be visible in the section view. Experiment with different orientations until you achieve the desired result.
Step 5: Modify Section View Properties
Once you have created the section view, you can modify its properties to customize the appearance and behavior:
- Show Hidden Lines: By default, SolidWorks hides any lines that are not intersected by the section plane. If you want to display these hidden lines, right-click on the section view and select “Properties.”
In the properties window, check the “Show hidden lines” option.
- Section Depth: You can adjust the depth of the section view to control how much of your model is revealed. Right-click on the section view, select “Properties,” and modify the “Section depth” value accordingly.
Step 6: Hide Other Sections
If you need to show multiple sections in your drawing, repeat steps 3-5 for each additional section. Make sure to adjust the orientation and properties of each section view as needed.
Step 7: Save and Update Drawing
After creating all desired section views, save your drawing. If you have made changes to an existing drawing, make sure to update all views by right-clicking on them and selecting “Update.” This ensures that any modifications or additions are reflected in your final output.
Congratulations! You have learned how to show only specific sections in a SolidWorks drawing. By following these steps, you can improve clarity and focus on key areas of interest in your designs.