The world’s biggest eye on the sky
ESO, the European Southern Observatory, is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world’s most productive astronomical observatory.
In 2018 we produced 3 scale 1:140 scale models of the ELT. With a diameter of 800mm a very impressive sight. The complete lattice works, the telescope frame and outer panels are SLA printed in a strong nylon and finished with paint. Fine details like railings and stair cases where added later in brass. The whole model sitz on a wooden baseplate of 1x1m and is covered by a acrylic case to keep dust (and hands) away.
The 3 large models created are now on display at the ESO headquarters. A combination of traditional handcraft as well as 3D-printing the large frame works created exceptional quality models. The first one is on show to the public at the newly openend at the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre in Garching bei München, Germany.
