Sectioning

With Sectioning feature, you can view the cross-section and cut-through of 3D models. In the Define Section dialog box, you can define the section plane position, section plane orientation, and the cut-through.

Section Plane Options

In the Define Section dialog box, you can use the following options to define the orientation of the section plane:


Option	Description
XY Plane	Section plane is oriented along the XY plane.
YZ Plane	Section plane is oriented along the YZ plane.
XZ Plane	Section plane is oriented along the XZ plane.
From 3 Vertices	Select three vertices on the object to define the orientation of the section plane.
From Face Normal	Select a face on the object to define the orientation of the section plane perpendicular to the face.
From Edge Tangent	Select an edge on the object to define the orientation of the section plane perpendicular to the edge’s tangent.
Define a Plane	Define X, Y and Z coordinates to orient the section plane.

Cut Options

In the Define Section dialog box, you can use the following cut options to define the cut-through of an object:

Defining the Section Plane and Cut-through

Option	Description
Don’t Cut	Display the object without a cut.
Cut	Object displayed is cut along the section plane.
Invert	Reverse the selection, display the other part of the object.
Show Both	Restore the cut part of the object.
Edges Only	Display only the edges of the object along the section plane.

From the Manipulate menu, select Section, and then select Define.

The Define Section dialog box appears.

Note: From the AutoVue toolbar, you can also click Sectioning .

From the Section Plane list, select the orientation for the section plane.

See Section Plane Options

From the Cut Options list, select the cut option that you want.

See Cut Options

To define the plane position, click and drag the Plane Position slider to the position you want.

Select Dynamic, if you want the plane to move simultaneously with the slider.

Select Show Plane, if you want the section plane visible.

Select Fill, if you want the section plane filled.

The section plane is displayed as filled and the Section Area is calculated.

Note: The fill color can also be set from the Configuration dialog box.

See Configuring AutoVue

From the Measured Units list, select the unit in which you want to measure the section surface.

Click Close to close the Define Section dialog box.

Note: Once you have defined the section plane and closed the Define Section dialog box, among other options, you can choose whether to enable, remove, or invert a defined section from the Section menu.