Panels

Surface paneling nodes - subdivide surfaces into repeating tessellation patterns for facades, cladding, and structural skins.

Ask AI about this page

ChatGPT

5 nodes in this group

Panel nodes generate repeating tessellation patterns across surfaces by subdividing them along their U and V parametric directions. Each panel type produces a different tile shape - quads, triangles, diamonds, or hexagons. The U-Iso and V-Iso parameters control the number of divisions in each direction. Higher values produce smaller, more numerous panels. These nodes are commonly used for architectural facade systems, structural cladding, shading elements, and decorative skins.

Nodes

Quad Panel

Behavior

Generates a paneling pattern made of four-sided quadrilateral panels across a surface. Each panel is a planar quad defined by the UV subdivision grid. Panel shapes follow surface curvature - on curved surfaces, quads become non-planar. For flat fabrication, combine with Planar check or use Triangle panels instead. U-Iso and V-Iso control division density.

Inputs

Surface, U-Iso, V-Iso

Outputs

Panels

Pairs With

Loft Surface, Extrude Curve, Side Thickness

Triangle Panel A

Behavior

Creates triangular panel subdivisions across a surface using one orientation method. Each quad cell in the UV grid is split diagonally into two triangles. Triangular panels are always planar regardless of surface curvature, making them ideal for flat-sheet fabrication (laser cutting, CNC). The "A" variant splits quads along one diagonal direction consistently.

Inputs

Surface, U-Iso, V-Iso

Outputs

Panels

Pairs With

Revolve Surface, Side Thickness

Triangle Panel C

Behavior

Produces a triangular panel pattern with an alternative subdivision method. The diagonal split direction varies, creating a different visual rhythm than Triangle Panel A. The "C" variant alternates the diagonal split direction across rows or columns, producing a herringbone-like triangle pattern rather than a uniform diagonal. Still guarantees planar panels on curved surfaces.

Inputs

Surface, U-Iso, V-Iso

Outputs

Panels

Diamond Panel

Behavior

Creates a pattern of four-sided diamond-shaped panels across a surface. Diamonds are formed by connecting midpoints of adjacent UV grid cells, producing a 45-degree rotated pattern. Diamond panels are rotated relative to the UV grid, so the panel edges run diagonally across the surface rather than aligned with the surface edges. Commonly used for architectural shading systems and decorative screens.

Inputs

Surface, U-Iso, V-Iso

Outputs

Panels

Hexagonal Panel

Behavior

Generates a six-sided hexagonal panel pattern across a surface, forming a honeycomb-like structure. Each cell is a regular hexagon defined by the UV subdivision density. Hexagonal tessellations provide the highest area-to-perimeter ratio of any regular polygon tiling, making them structurally efficient. On curved surfaces, hexagons deform to follow curvature. Panel count is approximate - edge hexagons may be trimmed.

Inputs

Surface, U-Iso, V-Iso

Outputs

Panels

Pairs With

Loft Surface, Side Thickness, Apply Material

List

Image