Sol’Ex & Star’Ex

🔬 Sol’Ex & Star’Ex — the spirit of amateur spectroscopy

Born from the ingenuity of Christian Buil, the Sol’Ex (solar) and Star’Ex (stellar) spectrographs have brought high-level spectroscopy within the reach of amateur astronomers. Azur 3D Print, in direct collaboration with Christian Buil, designs and provides the different versions of Sol’Ex and Star’Ex, with mechanical improvements validated and adopted by the creator himself. Each version is built with particular care for ease of use, precision, and durability.

⚙️ Available Versions

  • Sol’Ex Pro — the most advanced version, 3D-printed in carbon-reinforced PETG for improved heat resistance and extra rigidity.
  • Sol’Ex V2 — a more accessible alternative, widely adopted as a solid starting point.
  • Star’Ex V2 & Pro — the stellar counterpart of Sol’Ex.
  • Sol’Ex by James — an alternative model offered here to provide users with a complete range of options.

🛠️ Manufacturing & Materials

Each instrument is made of premium European PETG, ensuring strength and dimensional stability. The Pro versions (Sol’Ex & Star’Ex) are 3D-printed in carbon-reinforced PETG: greater rigidity, better mechanical resistance, and a uniform finish — ideal for intensive use (both solar and stellar).

🎯 Why Choose Azur 3D Print

  • Improvements validated by Christian Buil since the release of Sol’Ex V2.
  • A complete range: from accessible models to advanced configurations.
  • Dedicated accessories and setup guidance to help you progress with confidence.

Explore the full range below and choose the configuration that best suits your practice. Need an ERF filter, an accessory, or assembly advice? We’re here to help.

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  • Sol’Ex Spectrograph Accessories
    Sol’Ex Spectrograph...

    🔧 Sol’Ex & Star’Ex Accessories — optimizations validated by Christian Buil

    Find here the full range of accessories and complementary parts for Sol’Ex and Star’Ex: ND filter holders, dedicated filter mounts, mechanical and optical upgrades, reinforcement solutions, and advanced diffraction grating management. All our accessories are designed in collaboration with Christian Buil and manufactured in premium European PETG.

    ☀️ Filters & Light Adaptation

    • ND filter holders (neutral density) — recommended by Christian Buil to reduce flux.
    • Tilted filter holder — dedicated to solar corona observation.
    • Polarizing filter holder — improves visual comfort and brightness control.

    🧩 Practical Sol’Ex / Sunscan Accessories

    • Sunscan mode accessory kit — allows the use of Sol’Ex without a motorized mount, simply with a photo tripod.
    • Kodak-thread plates — to mount your Sol’Ex on a photo tripod for easier setup.

    ⚙️ Mechanical & Optical Upgrades

    • Star’Ex kit — extension dedicated to stellar spectroscopy.
    • Gen2 slit holders — for the new slits (since November 2024). Included by default on Sol’Ex and Star’Ex from September 2025 onwards.
    • Pro collimator block — upgrade for early Sol’Ex V2 models.
    • High/low resolution optics kit — switch between 80 mm (LR) and 125 mm (HR) using an M42 interface and aluminum extension tube. Included by default on recent models, available separately for earlier ones.

    🧱 Rigidity & Camera Compatibility

    The stiffeners (brackets) connect the camera to the collimator block, compensating for the original structural weakness. Essential for Star’Ex (guiding, long exposures) and strongly recommended in solar HR with heavy cameras.

    • LR / HR stiffeners — included by default in Star’Ex packages; also available separately to adapt your setup.
    • Dedicated Player One stiffener — optimized for cameras recommended by Christian Buil (an alternative to ZWO models).

    📐 Diffraction Gratings & Protection

    • Additional grating holders — to use several interchangeable gratings (600 to 3600 lines/mm), UV or visible range.
    • Dedicated protective boxes — hold the full holder + grating set, with anti-humidity bags. New screw-cap version planned for improved sealing.

    Important: handling gratings is very delicate — a single dust particle or fingerprint can ruin them. Our holders and cases are designed to secure these operations.

    Compatibility & evolution: the vernier dial assembly remains available for the original Sol’Ex models. All our accessories are designed to evolve with your Sol’Ex / Star’Ex and support your practice.

  • Mechanical Kits for Sol’Ex & Star’Ex Spectrographs
    Mechanical Kits for...

    🛠️ Mechanical Kits for Sol’Ex & Star’Ex Spectrographs

    Discover our complete Sol’Ex and Star’Ex mechanical kits, fully assembled and ready to use. Each kit comes with all inserts and screws already in place: you only need to remove a few parts to easily install your optics.

    ✅ What you’ll find in this category:

    • 🔵 Sol’Ex & Star’Ex Pro – fully assembled mechanical kit, the most advanced version.
    • 🟢 Sol’Ex & Star’Ex V2 – fully assembled mechanical kit, the perfect entry point to explore solar spectroscopy.
    • 🟡 Sol’Ex by James – a community-driven mechanical variant.

    🚀 Why choose our assembled mechanical kits?

    • 🔧 Pre-assembled: all inserts and screws are installed by us.
    • ⚡ Easy setup: simply drop in your optics — no 3D printing or complex assembly required.
    • 💎 Guaranteed quality: professional 3D printing in robust, durable European PETG.
    • 📜 Official validation: our Sol’Ex V2 and Sol’Ex Pro models are validated and recommended by Christian Buil, creator of Sol’Ex.

    🌍 Who are they for?

    • 🔭 Amateur astronomers who want a reliable spectrograph without spending hours on assembly.
    • ✨ Enthusiasts who prefer focusing on observations rather than building.
    • 🛰️ Users looking for a ready-to-go, upgradable solution endorsed by experts.

    👉 With these pre-assembled mechanical kits, you get instant access to the very best of solar and stellar spectroscopy — with total simplicity.