Previous Section View

[SerkanCicek]

We frequently use section views in both part and assembly models. They are too necessary commands, and we always cut and uncut models while we are working on them.

For instance, when we are working on a shaft-hub-like assembly, we continuously cut the model by using say, XY-Plane for a half section view. In brief, the commands and operations we use are: Half Section View - Browsing for the section plane - Plane selection - Modelling - End Section View - Looking over the result - Half Section View - Browsing for the section plane - Plane selection - Modelling - End Section View - Looking over the result - etc... If you are using Quarter Section View at that moment, you have to browse for two section planes for plane selections for each and every use of the command... There is no need to explain how hard to browse and select the desired section planes in a crowded featue or component tree.

Therefore, I propose a new command, Previous Section View which remembers our previously used section command option (half, quarter, three quarter) and section-plane selection(s). By using this command, we can reach our last section view by not selecting the same section plane(s) again.

[h.schkorwaga]

Two additional ideas:

1. Cutting via bounding box  with dragable surfaces (like NX has it)
2. Saving cutting views - which make the "previous section view"-button obsolete, maybe...

[SerkanCicek]

Hello.

1. Unfortunately, I didn't understand the cutting method via bounding box...

2. The ability to save cutting views would be a very good option. But it doesn't make "previous section view" option obsolete. I think having both of them would be better. Because I don't like to save a section view, if I believe that I will not want to use it again after that specific part of the model has been completed.

[h.schkorwaga]

1. Please have look at this link and scroll down to the last picture. Funny - this is a Autodesk Revit screenshot... So it seems that Revit has such a feature(?).
   
   In Siemens UG NX one option within the 3d dynamic clip feature is clipping with a box surrounding your model. (similar as shown in the picture from the link). On each side of this box are dragable handles. So you are able to cut your model from six sides dynamically.
   
   NX goes a step further concerning dynamic clipping/sectioning. On dynamic single plane cuts . the planes can be snapped to geometry (Point, plane, combinations of this to create cut planes on the fly).
   
   As an addition plane cuts can be adjusted with a triad - so you can adjust angles too. I cant't remember if this is implemented for the box clipping.
2. Agreed!

[SerkanCicek]

1. I got it now. And totally aggree with you. Adding a bounding box clipping property would be nice. The ability to drag its angles (like rotating a face by Direct Edit) would also be good.

[jtylerbc]

Ability to recall a previous section view might be useful, but are you aware that section views are saved in View Representations? 

You may already be able to achieve some of what you want by creating View Reps with and without the section view, and switching between them as needed.

This also gives the advantage of being able to save more than one section view, instead of just the most recent one.

[SerkanCicek]

Thank you for reminding me about View Reps. Of course I know that they keep the section views also. Two things:

1. I still think that a Previous Section View command would be useful, since its not changing the camera and its not requiring to create a new View Rep. for just a local/temporary use.
2. An additional option for the Camera View option of a View Rep. like "Don't bother with my camera" would be great. I want it to cut/uncut my model by not changing my current point of view.

[stuartmp]

I like what you are suggesting SerkanCicek, I currently just use view reps for each section.

I would like to see the ability to select new section planes from within a section with out the model resetting (end section) before you make your new selection.

IE. A section from within a section. Then you could use your previous section command to back out of your inner section.

I hope that made sense SerkanCicek.

Nice Idea

[rchiccarine]

While modeling, I often use the section views to better view a part or assembly.  I also continually turn it on and off.  There should be a shortcut to turn on the last section view, without having to re-select a plane and offset.  (or multiple planes/offsets for 1/4 or 3/4 views)  It could be in the drop down that lists the four section views "last section view"

[swalton]

Currently, Section Views in parts and assemblies are stored in Design View Representations.  I make a new View Rep for each section that I plan to use more than once.

[swalton]

Section views are stored in Design Reps. Change your workflow a bit and you will have what you want today.



New workflow:

1. Make a new Design View Rep for the new section.

2. Make the new section view.

3. When it is time to "remove" the section view, change back to the Default Design Rep View.

4. When it is time to go back to the section view, change back to the Design Rep View you created in step 1.

[steve_lindley]

I've seen this mentioned in the general forums but can't seem to find an Idea recorded here.

In an assembly, create a half section view, drag or type in a value to position the section plane and then OK to set the view. Now the section view is set in stone. If you want to change the section slightly, there's currently no way to edit it. You have to end the view and start again. In complex assemblies, choosing the face you want to start the section from can be a pig to see to select, so you don't want to repeat that action. If you want to keep the view flexible, you then can't use the measure tool.

It's editable during creation, but why not after? We need a 'Virtual Movement' option in the context menu after the view has been set, not just during creation.