What is the critical need for a cutting plane in printreading?

The critical need for a cutting plane in printreading is primarily to show sections of walls and partitions. When a cutting plane is represented on a blueprint, it indicates where a section view is taken, effectively "cutting through" the structure to reveal the internal details that are not visible in standard floor or elevation views. This allows anyone interpreting the drawing to see how various components like walls, doors, or partitions interact within the space. The section view provides important information on materials, thicknesses, and relationships between different structural elements, which are essential for accurate construction and design.

While identifying dimensions and illustrating floor levels are important aspects of a drawing, they are typically conveyed through other means such as notes, labels, and dimensions lines rather than through the cutting plane itself. This is why the primary purpose of the cutting plane is closely associated with detailing sections, making it an essential tool for understanding the three-dimensional relationships within a structure.