Array an object around its axis while rotating each one around itself

[onyx]

Hey all ive spent an hour trying to do something that seems so simple in theory and design, but i just cant figure out an easy way to do this.. Im trying to create this object[ATTACH=CONFIG]44489[/ATTACH]

 

At first glance i thought it was simple just make the one object array it around a ring 60* while rotating each object 5 or 6 degrees.. I didn't realize i couldn't do this with just the array tool alone until i tried.. All i could do is array it around 1 axis..[ATTACH=CONFIG]44490[/ATTACH]

 

Im seriously at my wits end here there MUST be a tool or steps i can take to do this kind of thing:confused: Please help.

[AubreyM]

What happens if you apply a twist modifier to the ring first?

[onyx]

nahh the twist does not work.. It just warps the objects. I really just need each one of the 60 objects to rotate slightly ( around teh intersection of the ring) until its 360 degrees full circle.

[AubreyM]

The only other option I can see would be to use a max script. But it would probably take as long to figure out the script as it would to adjust them by hand

Here is a result I got with this small script. I know it's not great but it's the first script I have ever done in Max Script.

[Tommy L]

Use snapshot. Animate the object along a path, animate the rotation also. Snapshot will create an instance of the object at intervals of your choosing along its trajectory.

[onyx]

The only other option I can see would be to use a max script. But it would probably take as long to figure out the script as it would to adjust them by hand

Here is a result I got with this small script. I know it's not great but it's the first script I have ever done in Max Script.

 

Writing scripts is way out of my wheel house:eek: What you did there looks pretty nice though.

 

Use snapshot. Animate the object along a path, animate the rotation also. Snapshot will create an instance of the object at intervals of your choosing along its trajectory.

That sounds interesting ive never heard of the snapshot tool i'll have to try it out sometime soon.

 

I actually figured out a slightly tedious way to do it a few hours ago. I made the ring a little bigger and added more pieces so it looked better. I Arrayed one piece around the point where it intersects with the ring 120* selected all pieces at the same time then moved the pivot point to the center of the ring. Then i manually rotated each piece in increments of 3 degrees. It took about 15 minutes.. Still i need to try snapshot tool for future works.

 

Thanks guys for all of your input!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]44494[/ATTACH]

[Joel Gray]

Use snapshot. Animate the object along a path, animate the rotation also. Snapshot will create an instance of the object at intervals of your choosing along its trajectory.

 

This is definitely the quickest solution. Good thinking Tom!

[Peter M. Gruhn]

If the primary movement is circular I'd say link to a dummy and animate rotate the dummy rather than animate on a path. Maybe that's just personal preference.

[Joel Gray]

It took about 15 minutes.. Still i need to try snapshot tool for future works.[ATTACH=CONFIG]44494[/ATTACH]

 

Whatever works... The end product looks great to me!

[Flint]

Here's a quick tutorial for the snapshot tool which I refer to from time to time. Doesn't cover the animation but a good starting point.

 

http://polygonpoop.dk/2007/05/someone-posed-question-how-do-i-make.html