Question
How can a perfect cutting view be created at a particular section in a CIM model for visualization?
Answer
Consider that a cutting view needs to be generated at the mid-section of the following CIM model to visualize how the section appears at the mid-location.
Follow the steps below:
1. Click on the 'Model' ribbon.
2. Select the 'Cutting View' option.
The Cutting view panel shall be displayed.
3. Under the 'Method' option, select either 'Define Plane' or 'Define Path', depending on the requirement:
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To directly select a plane, choose 'Define Plane'.
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To select a plane with reference to a path, choose 'Define Path'.
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In this case, we are selecting 'Define Plane. '
4. Under the 'Define Plane' option:
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Select 'Plane (By Select)' if the exact plane to be selected is known.
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If defining the plane using three points, select '3 Points'.
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In this case, we select 'Curve Normal' because we need to obtain the plane that is normal to the selected path at a particular point.
5. Now we need to pick the point where the cutting view needs to be generated. So we left click on the layout at the mid section.
6. Now a preview of the cutting view will be displayed.
If observed closely, an arrow indicates the direction in which the cutting view will be generated, as shown in the image below.
7. Click on the Green Tick to apply the changes.
8. The cutting view is now displayed, as shown below.
Additional Notes
Note 1: If a cutting view needs to be generated at an offset plane, enter the offset distance in the 'Distance' tab.
Note 2: If the cutting view should be generated in the opposite direction of the default arrow direction, check the 'Reverse Direction' option. The updated preview will be displayed accordingly.
Note 3: To return to the normal 3D model view, follow these steps.
a. In the Worktree Panel, click on the 'Data' tab.
b. Scroll down to the 'Cutting View' option.
c. Besides it, locate the 'Eye' icon and click on it.
d. The normal 3D model view will be restored.