A computer implemented method for generating a section cut in a model of a part. A location on the part is identified. An axis system is created at the location in the model of the part, wherein the axis system has an axis that is normal to a surface at the location in the model of the part. Section cuts intersecting the surface and plies below the surface are created. A plurality of sampling points on the surface is identified based on the section cuts. Core sampling is preformed using the plurality of sampling points to generate sampled data.