Solar and Spectroscopy

Subcategories

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  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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  SUNSCAN by Staros

  ☀️ SUNSCAN by Staros — Discover the Sun Differently

  SUNSCAN is an autonomous and smart solar spectroheliograph, designed by the Staros team with the participation of Christian Buil. Its mission: to make solar spectroscopy accessible to everyone — teachers, clubs, students, or simply enthusiasts.

  ⚙️ Simple and Intuitive Operation

  • 📱 Dedicated mobile app (Android & iOS) — full control from smartphone or tablet
  • ☀️ Direct solar observation: prominences, spots, and eruptions visible in near real-time
  • 🔬 Integrated technology: Raspberry Pi + mini color camera for instant capture
  • 🛠️ Modular design: each part can be assembled step by step

  🎓 A Powerful Educational Tool

  Designed as a true educational resource, SUNSCAN makes it easy to organize hands-on workshops without requiring expensive additional equipment. Teaching guides, resources, and technical support from the STAROS community are available to help teachers and facilitators.

  • 📘 Teaching guides: lesson plans and exercises included
  • 👨‍🏫 Adaptable: from elementary school to university level
  • 🤝 Collaborative experiences: build the SUNSCAN together with students

  Lightweight and user-friendly, SUNSCAN is perfect for group observations: every participant can view solar images directly on their own device.

  🚀 SUNSCAN & Azur3DPrint

  Azur3DPrint provides the complete mechanical structure in premium European PETG, precisely 3D-printed and ready to assemble. This ensures a reliable solution to bring your instrument to life and join the growing SUNSCAN user community.

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  ERF & Solar Holders

  🛡️ Solar Filters & Accessories — Safety and Reliability

  Explore our range of solar holders and accessories, specially designed to ensure safe and accurate solar observation. From glass ERF filters (Baader, Lunt, Altair) to Astrosolar films for white light, Quark filter adapters, and solar finders — every part is 3D-printed in premium European white PETG for strength, reliability, and durability.

  🔧 Optimized & Custom Holders

  • 🧢 External protective cap included with every holder (filter longevity). Optional internal cap available to secure both sides.
  • 🔩 Adapted clamping:
    • Astrosolar → 100% nylon thumbscrews (safe, lightweight, no tube marking).
    • Glass ERF → stainless steel thumbscrews with nylon tip (secure hold, tube preserved).
  • 🧿 Interchangeable ERF cells: a single filter can be used on several instruments thanks to dedicated plates. Switch instruments in minutes without handling the filter — ideal given the high cost of ERFs.
  • 🧰 Custom compatibility: 3D-printed rings and spacers for clean, stable, and precise mounting.

  ☀️ Hα & White Light: Two Complementary Approaches

  • Hydrogen-alpha (Hα): imaging prominences, eruptions, and chromospheric details (ERF holders, Quark adapters, etc.).
  • White light: surface observation and sunspot imaging (Astrosolar film holders and dedicated options).

  Important: we mainly provide 3D-printed holders. The filters themselves are not sold here (except optional Baader Astrosolar film on certain holders).

  Note: Sol’Ex / Star’Ex users generally do not need ERF or Astrosolar filters. For ND filter holders recommended by Christian Buil, please see the “Sol’Ex Accessories” category.