What Is a Break View in SolidWorks?

Have you ever wondered what a break view is in SolidWorks? In this tutorial, we will explore this powerful feature and learn how it can be used to enhance your designs. So, let’s dive in and find out more about break views in SolidWorks!

What is a Break View?

A break view is a useful tool in SolidWorks that allows you to create a broken or interrupted view of your design. This feature is particularly helpful when you have large or complex models that need to be displayed on a smaller scale. By using break views, you can effectively communicate specific areas of interest without cluttering the drawing with unnecessary details.

Creating a Break View

To create a break view in SolidWorks, follow these simple steps:

  1. Select the model or component you want to create a break view of.
  2. Navigate to the “View Layout” tab in the command manager.
  3. Click on the “Break View” option.
  4. Select the edge or point where you want to apply the break.
  5. Adjust the size and shape of the break as desired.
  6. Click on the green checkmark to finalize your break view.

Note: You can also customize the appearance of your break view by changing its line style, color, and thickness. This can be done by accessing the “Line Format” toolbar after creating the break view.

Benefits of Using Break Views

Break views offer several advantages when it comes to presenting complex designs:

  • Simplification: Break views allow you to simplify complex models by focusing on specific areas of interest. This makes it easier for others to understand your design intent.
  • Clarity: By breaking a view, you can eliminate unnecessary details and emphasize critical features or dimensions.

    This ensures that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively.

  • Space-saving: Break views help save valuable space on drawings, especially when working with large models. They allow you to fit more information onto a single sheet without compromising readability.

Tips for Using Break Views

To make the most out of break views in SolidWorks, consider the following tips:

  1. Use breaks sparingly: While break views are useful, it’s important not to overuse them. Use breaks selectively to highlight critical areas while maintaining the overall context of the design.
  2. Combine with section views: To provide even more clarity, consider combining break views with section views.

    This combination can effectively communicate both internal and external details of your design.

  3. Consider scale and dimensioning: When using break views, pay attention to the scale and dimensioning of your drawing. Ensure that all dimensions are clear and legible, even after applying breaks.

In conclusion, break views in SolidWorks are a powerful tool for simplifying complex designs and conveying important information effectively. By incorporating break views into your drawings, you can enhance clarity, save space, and improve overall communication. So why not give break views a try in your next SolidWorks project?