AutoCAD Tip: SLICE and SECTION — Fast 3D Cutaways and Accurate Section Profiles

When you need to reveal, analyze, or document what’s inside a 3D model, SLICE and SECTION are your fastest, most controllable tools. Here’s how to use them to isolate interior geometry without disrupting your model logic.

Fast cutaways with SLICE (solids, surfaces, meshes)

• Duplicate first: COPY your solid so you can keep a full version and a cutaway version side-by-side.
• Align the cut plane:
  • Use View to slice exactly as seen on screen (great for quick presentations).
  • Use XY/YZ/ZX for orthogonal cuts aligned to your UCS.
  • Use 3points to define a custom plane through critical features.
  • Use Surface to slice precisely along a planar face of your model.
• Keep both sides: At the prompt, choose Both to create two closed solids. Name/layer them clearly.
• Refine the reveal:
  • Hide one half with Object Isolation or freeze its layer in specific viewports.
  • Use DRAWORDER to bring cut faces forward for clean visuals.
• Tip: For meshes, consider CONVTOSOLID when appropriate for cleaner slices.

Accurate profiles with SECTION (2D/3D outputs)

• Purpose: Generate true section curves/regions that represent the intersection of a plane with 3D geometry.
• Workflow:
  • Set a stable UCS, then run SECTION and pick the cutting plane using 3points, Object, or orthogonal options.
  • Choose output type carefully:
    • 2D region/curves for detailing and dimensions in Paper Space.
    • 3D section objects for downstream modeling and checks.
  • Place results on a dedicated “A-ANNO-SECTION” or similar layer for plotting control.
• Detailing:
  • Apply a hatch to the sectioned regions with Associative Hatch for automatic updates when boundaries change.
  • Dimension the section profile with your standard DIMSTYLE to maintain readability across scales.

Precision and speed boosters

• Before cutting, set PLAN to the current UCS for predictable, orthogonal results.
• Use Object Snap Tracking and Temporary Tracking Points (TT) to define cutting planes through exact features.
• Pair SLICE with LAYISO to focus on relevant components only.
• For iterative presentations, keep a library of saved Views and toggle visibility with viewport layer freezes.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Unintended edits: Work on a copy or in a separate layer state so the master stays intact.
• Mixed object types: SLICE behavior differs for solids vs surfaces; verify results and convert where needed.
• Over-slicing: Too many cuts can complicate solids; combine logical cuts and use Named Views to document them.

When to prefer SECTION vs SLICE

• Use SLICE for physical cutaways, exploded views, and manufacturing discussions.
• Use SECTION for precise 2D documentation, clearance checks, and extracting profile geometry for fabrication.

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