Partialschnitte

Partialschnitte, literally “partial cross-sections,” are a form of technical representation in which only selected portions of an object’s interior are exposed by a cut, rather than presenting a full cross-section of the entire object. The goal is to illuminate specific details or interfaces without revealing the whole internal structure.

The term is used in German-language technical documentation and diagrams, and reflects a focus on targeted interior features. In practice, partial cross-sections are chosen to highlight joints, hidden components, or regions of interest while maintaining a clear overall context with accompanying plans, elevations, or adjacent views. They can be applied in various disciplines where understanding internal relationships is important.

Fields where partial cross-sections appear include architecture and engineering, where they reveal concealed connections or assembly relationships; geology and earth sciences, where localized stratigraphic because partial slices show relationships at a site; and biology or pathology, where targeted tissue slices illustrate specific structures. In computer-aided design and visualization, partial sectional views help users inspect internal components without rendering an entire cutaway.

When prepared, partial cross-sections should be clearly labeled with orientation, scale, and the portion shown to prevent misinterpretation. They are often complemented by full sections, other sectional views, or exploded diagrams to provide complete context. While they aid focused understanding, reliance on a single partial view can obscure adjacent features, so careful selection and accompanying documentation are important.

Related concepts include full cross-sections and cutaway views, which provide broader context or reveal entire interiors.