Sectional views are views we use to describe the internal features of an object in more detail. To get a Sectional view we cut the object with a Plane called a Cutting Plane.

In your drawing the Cutting Plane is represented by a dashed line that runs through the object, and ends in upturned filled in arrows. Shown below is a Sectional view of a flower pot. Note that the Sectional view is projected in line with the view that the Cutting Plane is drawn in. Also note that only the area of the object lying on the cutting plane is hatched, not anything behind the plane.

Notice how the Sectional view of the pot has slanted lines running throughout the view. These lines are called Hatching. They are light lines, which are spaced 4mm apart. Also they slant at a 45 degree angle clockwise.

There are certain items you shouldn't section. Examples that shouldn't be hatched are Ribs, Webs, Spokes of wheels, Fasteners (Screws, bolts and nuts) and shafts when sectioned lengthways.

When an object consists of several parts you take the following steps:

A) Objects with 2 parts: Alternate the direction of the hatching

B) Objects with 3 parts: Alternate the direction of the hatching and decrease the spacing between hatching lines.

C) Objects with 4 parts: Alternate the direction of the hatching and decrease the spacing between hatching lines, change the hatching angle, or all three depending on how many parts you have.

An example of several parts is shown below. Note how the engineer overcame the problem using alternated hatching, different spaced hatching, and by alternating the hatching angle.

For your Junior Cert you will only be expected to create Sectional views using either Vertical, Horizontal or End Vertical Planes. However there are many more types of Sectional views. To learn more about these views watch the animation below.