World’s First
Astronaut Whiskey Glass
T
he world’s first whiskey glass
The finished model looked extremely
Ogle were asked to develop the prototype
suitable for use in outer
realistic and we’re hugely proud to have
by Trillium Technologies, which is a
space has been developed
been involved in creating this world-first
company dedicated to developing systems
with the help of a leading
project.”
and technologies that tackle today’s grand
prototyping company.
challenges.
The model was eventually hand-finished
Ogle, which is based in Letchworth, was
inside and out using 800 wet grade paper
Jordan McRae, Co-Founder and Chief
asked to create a model which would
to remove any layering and provide a
Technology Officer of Trillium, said: “These
withstand rigorous testing suitable for use
smooth texture. To create a glass-like
days it’s not that difficult to find a shop
beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Ogle’s
appearance it was then masked and clear
that will 3D print something for you.
stereolithography (SLA) machines – a form
lacquered on both sides. The glass, which
of 3D printing ¬– were used to create
comprised of six component parts, was
However, it’s tough to beat the level of
the precise specifications needed for the
subject to many pre and post production
professionalism, expertise, and attention
microgravity friendly object.
checks by the Ogle team.
to detail that we get when we work with
Ogle which is why they were our first
To ensure the prototype was visually
This included applying a rose gold plated
choice for the 3D printed ClearVue glass
realistic and durable, a plastic called
base to ensure the thread, which brings
used in Space Glass.”
ClearVue was selected for production
the liquid to the top of the glass and
because, once the part is finished, it resists
prevents the whiskey from spilling, would
Trillium was approached by premium
humidity and moisture well.
fit correctly with enough clearance for the
whiskey brand Ballentine’s to create
paint team.
the whisky glass which would work in
Dave Bennion the Marketing and Sales
Director for Ogle, said: “The accuracy
needed for this project was significant
and it was imperative that every single
measurement was correct as there was no
room for error. It’s not every day you get
asked to create a model of an item which
may eventually be used in outer space, so
Gold is a common material for use
in space due to its deflective
radiation components, but in this
case it was chosen to prevent
the materials used to make the
glass from affecting the taste of the
whisky.
microgravity.
The prototype was tested in micro gravity
at the ZARM Drop Tower in Germany
where it was approved for space flight.
www.oglemodels.com
this was hugely exciting for the team.
Issue 21 PECM
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