How do you use cutaway views to highlight the internal features and functions of complex mechanical systems?

1 What is a cutaway view?

A cutaway view is a type of mechanical drawing that shows a partial section of a system, exposing some of the internal parts that are normally hidden by the outer casing or shell. A cutaway view can be created by cutting or removing a portion of the system along a plane or a curve, and drawing the remaining parts in detail. A cutaway view can also be created by using dashed lines, shading, or hatching to indicate the parts that are cut or removed.

2 Why use a cutaway view?

A cutaway view can help you to communicate the design, function, and operation of a complex mechanical system more effectively than a simple external view. A cutaway view can show how the different parts of a system fit together, how they move or interact, and how they perform their roles. A cutaway view can also highlight the features, advantages, and innovations of a system, such as its efficiency, reliability, or safety. A cutaway view can also help you to troubleshoot, maintain, or repair a system, by showing the location and condition of the internal parts.

3 How to create a cutaway view?

To create a cutaway view, you need to follow some basic steps. First, you need to decide which part of the system you want to cut or remove, and along which plane or curve. You need to consider the purpose, audience, and angle of your cutaway view, and choose the part that best reveals the internal features and functions of the system. Second, you need to draw the external view of the system, and mark the cutting or removing line with a thick or thin solid line. Third, you need to draw the internal view of the system, and show the parts that are cut or removed with dashed lines, shading, or hatching. You need to use the same scale, perspective, and style as the external view, and follow the conventions and standards of mechanical drawing. Fourth, you need to label the parts and add dimensions, annotations, or symbols as needed. You need to use clear and consistent terminology and notation, and avoid cluttering or overlapping the drawing.

4 Types of cutaway views

Cutaway views are useful for displaying the internal features and functions of complex mechanical systems. A full cutaway view provides a comprehensive overview of the system, but can be overwhelming if there are too many parts or details. A partial cutaway view focuses on a specific area of the system, while an exploded cutaway view illustrates how the parts assemble or disassemble. Lastly, a ghosted cutaway view shows the internal and external views of the system at once, but can be ambiguous if there are overlapping or similar parts.

5 Examples of cutaway views

Cutaway views are utilized in multiple fields and applications that involve intricate mechanical systems. For instance, a cutaway view of a car engine can display the main components like the cylinders, pistons, valves, spark plugs, camshaft, crankshaft, oil pump, water pump, alternator, and demonstrate how the fuel-air mixture is ignited, how the power is generated and transferred, and how the engine is cooled and lubricated. Similarly, a cutaway view of a water pump can illustrate the internal parts and mechanisms such as the impeller, volute, shaft, seal, bearing, motor, and show how the water is sucked in, pressurized, and discharged. Additionally, a cutaway view of a wind turbine can depict the structure and operation of the turbine such as the blades, hub, nacelle, gearbox, generator, brake, yaw system, tower; as well as how the wind energy is captured, converted and transmitted.

6 Tips and best practices

To effectively highlight the internal features and functions of complex mechanical systems with cutaway views, you should use them sparingly and consistently. Make sure that the cutaway views match your external views and specifications. Additionally, you should use them creatively and aesthetically, adding colors, textures, shadows, lighting, etc. to make them attractive and engaging. Avoid using cutaway views when they are unnecessary or redundant, as well as when they are dull or monotonous.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?