Handmade Moon Globes

Blending Craft and Tradition

with the Precision of Digital Technology

 

How Terrainian Space Globes are Made

 

Moon globe, Bay of Rainbows, Close up detail
Close up of a 30cm Moon showing the Bay of Rainbows

Process Overview

The aluminium machined surface of the Moon Master
Machined Aluminium Master (Close Up)
30cm Moon with text, toning and protective coating
Machining the Master

A high definition raised relief topographic master is machined in aluminium (cutting at 64 microns the width of a human hair). The process is controlled by topographic data supplied by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

The use of computer controlled machining to create the aluminium Master allows for greater precision and better surface finish compared alternative production methods

Building up Layers

Several layers of metal powder and  resin are slowly built up in a mould taken from the topographic master (a process known as cold casting).

Each layer is given 24hrs to fully cure before the next layer is added.

The cold casting process accurately recreates the fine detail of the original machined aluminium globe master.

Finishing

Once taken from the master mould, globes are finished by hand. This includes,

♦      Creating the surface tone and finish.

♦      Adding the brass dividing ring.

♦      Inscribing 30 degree meridian lines.

♦      Adding text and feature names.

♦     Applying final protective coatings.

Moon globe stand with brass ID plate
30cm Aluminium Stand
Closeup of 40cm stand and Nameplate
Polished Aluminium Stand

Each globe also comes with a solid aluminium stand.

This is designed to complement the overall aesthetic of the globe and give it its distinctive retro futuristic look.

The stand is made of polished Aluminium and consists of the following parts…

 

♦      Five discs and spacers.

♦      Three machined arms.

♦      A central boss with machined slots.

♦      Top and bottom caps

The globe sits securely on the stand, and can be lifted off or repositioned as required.

 

Weight and height of globe + stand

20cm Moon

♦      Weight = just over 1Kg.

♦      Height = approx 27.5cm

30cm Moon

♦      Weight = around 2.2 Kg.

♦      Height = approx 39.5cm

Brass nameplate for a 30cm globe
Brass Nameplate

Due to the time it takes to make each globe, the numbers produced will always be low.

 

This is why each globe has an etched brass plate showing its unique production number and year of manufacture. 

 

The brass Terrainian Space Globe nameplate assembly slots into the gaps between the aluminium discs of the stand and can be removed or repositioned as required.

 

This identifying info is also on the globe itself , and on the underside of the stand