What is a ʼBroken-out Sectionʼ in SolidWorks?
Short Answer
A Broken-out Section in SolidWorks is a drawing view tool that removes a defined area of material to expose internal features without creating a full section view. The standard method uses Broken-out Section in a drawing view with a sketched closed profile and a set depth. It only works in drawing views, not directly in part modeling.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: A Broken-out Section depends on the selected drawing view orientation and depth definition, so it can easily expose the wrong features if the model changes later. A common failure is using an ambiguous depth reference, which causes the cut to update incorrectly after rebuild.
How to Create a Broken-out Section
Command: Broken-out Section
Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut
Quick Steps:
- In a drawing, select the target view, then go to the CommandManager ribbon: View Layout tab > Broken-out Section.
- Sketch a closed profile, such as a spline or circle, directly on the drawing view around the area to remove.
- In the PropertyManager, set Depth to a value or choose To Selected and pick a model edge, face, or reference, then confirm the command.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Depth / To Selected
Expert Setting: Using To Selected is usually safer than a blind depth because it ties the broken-out cut to actual model geometry. This reduces errors when the model thickness or internal features change.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): The sketch profile is open or self-intersecting, so SolidWorks cannot generate the broken-out area.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The drawing view or sketch entity may be on a locked layer, preventing profile edits or selection.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The depth does not reach the internal feature, or the reference used in To Selected is no longer valid after model changes.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Edit the broken-out sketch so it is fully closed, then change the depth option in the PropertyManager to To Selected and reselect a stable internal reference.
- Manager’s Verdict: Use Broken-out Section when you need to reveal a small local interior detail without cluttering the sheet with a full section view. Avoid it for critical manufacturing documentation if the exposed geometry is likely to change often.
FAQ
Can a Broken-out Section be added to any drawing view?
Yes, as long as the view supports sketching and the profile can be created on it.
Does a Broken-out Section modify the 3D model?
No, it only affects the drawing view display.
What is the difference between a Broken-out Section and a Section View?
A Broken-out Section removes only a local area, while a Section View cuts through the entire view along a section line.
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