About an Offset Cross Section
You create an offset cross section by extruding a section outline perpendicular to the sketching plane. This type of cross section is valuable for opening up the part to display several features with a single cross section.
When you sketch a cross section, the resultant cross section intersects the part or assembly completely. As the model grows and changes, this definition may no longer be enough to generate the section. When this happens, Creo Direct automatically extends the section to intersect the part or assembly. For example, when creating a Trajectory Rib the sketch does not need to intersect the part completely; then Creo Direct automatically extends the sketch tangentially until it intersects a wall. If there are self- intersections (same as the sketch), Creo Direct displays a message.
The following restrictions apply to an offset cross section:
• In Creo Direct, you can only select an existing sketch to create an offset cross section. You cannot create a new sketch or edit an existing sketch in 3D mode.
• The sketched section must be an open section.
• Offset cross sections can be cross-hatched but not filled.
• The first and last segments of the open section must be straight lines. The cutting plane arrows displayed in a drawing are perpendicular to these end segments.
• In drawings, cross section edges always appear wherever the plane of the cross section is not parallel or perpendicular to the screen.
• Circular and spline cross section geometry create non-modifiable horizontal cross-hatching (see the following example).
Offset Cross Sections in a Drawing
1. Proper cross section
2. Improper cross section
