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Sections and Dimensions

We often need to show interiors that cannot be illustrated clearly by hidden lines. We show such interiors by slicing through the object. A cutaway view of the part is then drawn; such views are called sectional views, cross sections or simply sections. The cutting plane line shows where the object is imagined to be cut. In general, all visible edges and contours behind the cutting plane should be shown. Hidden lines are not usually found in sectional views. Section lining shows the solid parts of the object that have been in contact with the cutting plane. In an object or assembly, section lines must be parallel. The use of section lining in opposite directions indicate different parts, as when two or more parts are adjacent in an assembly drawing. Section lining symbols are used to indicate specific materials. These symbols

represent general material types only such as cast iron, brass and steel. Section lines should be drawn using a sharp medium grade pencil (H or 2H) with a conical point. Always draw the lines at 45 angle with the horizontal. For most drawings, space the lines about 2.5 mm or slightly more apart. Section lines should be uniformly thin. There should be a marked contrast in thickness of the visible outlines and section lines. If section lines drawn at 45 with the horizontal would be parallel or perpendicular to a prominent visible outline, the angle should be changed to 30, 60 or some other angle. Dimensions should be kept off sectioned areas but when this is unavoidable, the section lines should be omitted where the dimension figure is placed. The cutting plane appears edgewise as a line called the cutting plane line. The cutting plane line is composed of alternate long dashes (20-40 mm) and pairs of short dashes (3 mm)

spaced 1.5mm apart plus the arrow heads. Both lines are drawn the same thickness as visible lines. Arrowheads indicate the direction in which the cutaway object is viewed. The arrows point in the direction away from the section, not in the direction of withdrawal of the removed portion. Generally, cutting plane lines are omitted in cases where the location of the cutting plane is obvious. In multiple or removed sections, capital letters are used at the ends of the cutting plane line to identify an indicated section. Each section is completely independent of the other and drawn as if the other is not present. When a cutting plane line coincides with a center line, the cutting plane line takes precedence. Whenever a surface of an object appears as a line and is intersected by a cutting plane that also appears as a line, a new edge is created that will appear as a point in that view. Whenever a surface of an object appears as a surface and is cut by a cutting plane that appears as a line, a new edge is created that

will appear as a line in the view, coinciding with the cutting plane line and as a line in the section. If a cutting plane passes halfway through an object, it is called a half section. Its use is limited in symmetrical objects and assembly drawing. ANSI recommends a center line in dividing the sectioned half and unsectioned half of a half-sectional view. A broken out section is used when only a partial section of a view is needed to expose the interior shape. Such a section is limited by a break line. The shape of the cross section of a bar, arm, spoke or other elongated objected may be shown in the longitudinal view by means of a revolved section. Revolved sections are made by assuming a plane perpendicular to the axis of the object, and then revolving the plane through 90 about a center line at right angles through the axis. A removed section is a section that is not in direct projection from the view containing the

cutting plane. In sectioning through irregular objects, an offset section shows features that lie in an offset or bent cutting plane and not in a straight line. Thin features such as ribs or gear teeth should not be sectioned line even though the cutting plane passes through them. To include certain angled elements in a section, the cutting plane may be bent to pass through those features. If limited in space on paper or with time, partial views maybe used in sectioning. When an intersection is small or unimportant, it is standard to disregard the true projection of the figure of intersection. To shorten a view of an elongated object, conventional breaks are recommended. Parts to be broken must have a uniform section or taper. Breaks used in cylindrical shafts or tubes are often referred to as S-breaks and usually drawn free hand or with an irregular curve.

A drawing should provide a complete specification of the component to ensure that design intent can be met at all stages of manufacture. Dimensions specifying features of size, position, location, geometric control and surface texture must be defined and appear on the drawing only once. British Standard 8888 covers all the ISO rules applicable to dimensioning. Dimension and projection lines are narrow continuous lines 0.35 mm thick, if possible, clearly placed outside the outline of the drawing. The projection lines should not touch the drawing but a small gap should be left about 2 to 3 mm, depending on the size of the drawing. The projection lines should then continue for the same distance past the dimension line. Arrowheads should be approximately triangular, must be uniform in size and shape, and in every case touch the dimension line to which they refer. Arrows draw manually should be filled in. Adequate space must be left between rows of dimensions

and a spacing of about 12 mm is recommended. Center lines must never be used as dimension lines but must be left clear and distinct. They can be extended however when used in the role of projection lines. Dimensions are quoted in millimeters to the minimum number of significant figures. In the case of a decimal dimension, always use a nought before the decimal marker which may not be noticed on a drawing that has poor line definition. On metric drawings, the decimal marker is a comma positioned on the base line between the figures. To enable dimensions to be read clearly, figures are placed so that they can be read from the bottom of the drawing or by turning the drawing in a clockwise direction, so that they can be read from the right hand side. Leader lines are used to indicate where specific indications apply. Start by dimensioning the view which gives the clearest understanding of the profile or shape of the component. If space permits, place the dimensions outside the profile of the

component as first choice. Where several dimensions are placed on the same side of the drawing, position the shortest dimension nearest to the component and this will avoid dimension lines crossing. Try to ensure that similar spacing is made between dimension lines as this gives a neat appearance. Overall dimensions which are given for surfaces that can be seen in two projected views are generally positioned between these two views. Always remember that drawings are the media to communicate the design intent in manufacturing and verification units. Careful and tidy dimensioning are marks of good quality work. Reference: Giesecke, F. (2001). Technical Drawing. Singapore: Pearson Education Asia. Simmons, C. (2004). Manual of Engineering Drawing. Massachusetts: Elsevier.