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I want to create a hexagonal airlock. It would consist of 6 triangular parts. I would like to use some tool that would allow me to edit all those parts at once. I'd also want it to animate them accordingly to this sketch: enter image description here

From what I've read the best solution appeared to be using an array modifier on the triangular element with an object offset using an empty element at 0,0,0 and rotated 60' on Z axis. Instead of the hexagon, I've created something like this.

enter image description here I played a little with the coordinates of the empty point and received somewhat what I wanted, but it is definitely imperfect.

enter image description here How can I create the hexagon, so that all the vertices are aligned and it would be easy to animate the mentioned way?

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  • $\begingroup$ your demand has changed... first you wanted to create 6 concentric triangles that you could modify at once, now you want to animate them, which is a completely different subject, so please try to give as many informations as possible on what your purpose is $\endgroup$ – moonboots Feb 1 '19 at 22:54
  • $\begingroup$ I've added a solution for the animation, tell me if it's ok $\endgroup$ – moonboots Feb 2 '19 at 7:25
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For the modeling, here are 3 ways:

First the simplest way, if you don't need your triangles to be linked:

  • Create a circle (6 vertices, Fill Type > Triangle Fan).
  • Choose Edge Select mode, select all the concentric edges and press V to rip, then enter to validate right away. Now each triangle is independent.

If you want your triangles to be linked (so that you can continue to work its topology) you could use linked duplications:

  • Create a 3 vertices circle.
  • Put its origin on one of its vertices (or put the 3D cursor on one of its vertices and choose the 3D cursor as Pivot Center).
  • Duplicate your triangle with altD. Press enter to confirm right away.
  • Make your linked copy rotate 60° on the Z axis.
  • Make a second linked copy and make it rotate 120°, etc...

You could also use an Array modifier:

  • Create a 3 vertices circle.
  • Put its origin on one of its vertices.
  • Put an empty on the same point.
  • Give your triangle an Array modifier, and choose the empty as Object.
  • Rotate the empty 60° on the Z axis.

enter image description here

For the animation, you can do it this way:

  • Separate each triangle.
  • Set the origin on the geometry of each triangle with shiftctrlaltC.
  • Choose Pivot Point option > Median Point and enable the Manipulate Center Point option (don't forget to disable it when you'll have finished to keyframe).
  • In the Timeline, put your cursor at frame 0.
  • Select all your triangles and create a keyframe with i > LocRotScale.
  • In the Timeline, put your cursor at frame X.
  • With all your triangles selected, scale up with S. With the Manipulate Center Point option enabled the triangles will go away from each others instead of scaling.
  • Create a new keyframe with i > LocRotScale.

enter image description here

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  • $\begingroup$ Is there a way I could modify all the triangle parts at once? I would prefer not to modify them individually. $\endgroup$ – Momonga-sama Feb 1 '19 at 21:59
  • $\begingroup$ I've edited, in that case you can use an Array $\endgroup$ – moonboots Feb 1 '19 at 22:08
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For the animation part, maybe a simple way is to use shape keys

enter image description here

From the array modifier setting you already have, add a base and another shape key named 'opening' in the object data property panel. That allow to do it without breaking the modifier setting.

The shape key is simply defined like below and the animation is done keyframing the shape key value:

enter image description here

Or another possibility is to hook the vertices

enter image description here

In edit mode select all and CtrlH to hook to an empty. Then animate the empty.

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first add a cilinder and go to the settings in the left panel and set it up to 6 vertices and you are done :D happy blending!! enter image description here enter image description here

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  • $\begingroup$ Like I've said, I will want to modify individual triangular parts with translations and shaping into more complex form, so simple hexagon cylinder won't do. $\endgroup$ – Momonga-sama Feb 1 '19 at 21:36
  • $\begingroup$ @Momonga-sama you mean you want to make a object that could tranform in several shapes like from a star to a hexagon? $\endgroup$ – Michael Ben David Feb 1 '19 at 21:38
  • $\begingroup$ For example, I would want them to move and form a hollow hexagon between the triangles. I would also want to modify every triangle to make their shape more complex. Editing them one by one will be time-consuming, that's why I decided to use the array function. $\endgroup$ – Momonga-sama Feb 1 '19 at 22:06

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