As the term implies, the exploded view shows an assembly with its components blown out from the main body, but still remaining in relative order along their respective centrelines.

This type of illustration can be used for a parts list where items need to be isolated from each other while still maintaining their sub-assembly groups. It is also ideal for showing the order of removal and assembly of components.

The exploded view can, however, present a problem of space if the subject is complex and has many items or if the main body fills the drawing area even before are pulled out. This can sometimes be overcome by staggering the centreline in a "Z" formation, or by slightly overlapping each item, but not to the extent where they become unrecognisable. Care should also be taken not to make the drawing too fragmented so that it is impossible to see how the various sub-assemblies fit together.

Source:

Lightfoot, Peter. "Illustration (information-graphics) for technical publications". Professional Communication and Information Design. St. Neots, Cambridgeshire: Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators, 2001. 117.

The ISTC publication can be ordered here.

About the author:

Peter Lightfoot has spent a career within technical illustration and information graphics, which spans more than four decades. It also spans the period that included the high point in traditional technical line and tonal airbrush illustration through the transition to digital illustration and desktop publishing. This career followed a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, and subsequently led to work in the aircraft, shipbuilding, petro-chemical, oil & gas, machine tool and automotive industries carrying out tasks that cover all aspects of information graphics. He is currently a founder and director of Media 4 Graphix Ltd. who specialise in the production of conventional and on-line technical and commercial promotional material. Peter can be contacted via email at Peter@media4.co.uk.

Graphics: Dunlop Aviation, UK