Creating 3D Breakout Section View in NX Drafting
Creating 3D Breakout Section View in NX Drafting
Although creating a 3D breakout section view can take a few extra steps, it can be a very effective way to display a part. This blog will guide you through the process on NX1899, but the tool is extremely similar across other versions as well.
The first step is to decide which model view you will want to apply the break-out section to. Right click on the view border and expand the view.
In the expanded view, the 2-dimensional shape that will be used as a guide to break into the parts needed to be sketched. The sketch will default to the XY plane, so adjusting the WCS (work coordinate system) prior to sketching is recommended. Double click the WCS to edit. Move the origin by dragging the center sphere and use the handles to snap the X, Y, and Z arms into position.
After the WCS and the XY plane is in position, it’s time to select the shape to sketch with. Open the “Customize Toolbar” window (CTRL + 1) to select a drawing tool for sketching. In this case the rectangle (legacy) is added to the toolbar by dragging it and dropping onto the “Drafting Tools” tab.
Next, the rectangle is sketched onto the XY plane. The base point was the center of the top of the part, and the second point was placed beyond the boundary of the part. Select “OK” to return.
Right click on the border and deselect “expanded view” to return to the drawing sheet.
Now, for the actual Break-Out Section command there are 4 inputs.
1.) The view to breakout, which in this case is the “Isometric@1” view
2.) The base point, which in this case is the center of the top of the part.
3.) The vector, which guides the direction of the break-out boundary, in this case it is down along the Z-axis. The “Reverse Vector” button can easily flip the vector direction.
4.) Curve selection, which is the entire rectangle.
5.) Modify Section Boundary, which is used if the boundary needs adjustment.
Select “Cut Through Model” to breakout the entire depth of the part.
Select “APPLY”. To edit any of the 5 inputs, enter the Break-Out Section command and select “Edit”.
And now you have the finished product. Enjoy!
Dominic’s approach with CAD software is influenced by his heavy background in mechanical engineering. With his career beginnings at Eastman Machine to providing his expertise at Calspan to joining the top tech team at Swoosh, he offers fellow NX CAD engineers best practices in 2D design, concept layout, additive manufacturing, and structural design modifications.
Post by Dominic Santoro
Dominic's approach with CAD software is influenced by his heavy background in mechanical engineering. With his career beginnings at Eastman Machine to providing his expertise at Calspan to joining the top tech team at Swoosh, he offers fellow NX CAD engineers best practices in 2D design, concept layout, additive manufacturing, and structural design modifications.
