![Creating mirrors isn't typically a DIY endeavor for many, but [Unnecessary Automation] had other...](/en/img/20250606121329_pexels-search-image-description-headline.jpeg)
Telescope mirror casting in resin ended up being more of a debacle than a success story.
Making a custom mirror for a telescope isn't as simple as popping down to the local hardware store and picking one up. [Unnecessary Automation] decided to give it a go anyway, determined to craft his own mirrors for a custom build.
While glass mirrors might work for some applications, a concave one was needed for the telescope project at hand. This led to experimenting with a liquid mirror, spinning fluid to form a parabolic shape due to centrifugal force. Naturally, this idea didn't quite pan out, but it sparked a more sophisticated setup - a spinning bowl filled with dense glycerine to craft a silicone mold with a convex shape. This mold could then be utilized to create a resin-based mirror in a more stationary fashion. To give it the mirror-like sheen, they simply applied a shiny metal layer onto the final product.
Unfortunately, the finished mirror was too messy to be used as a viable telescope mirror, but the journey was worth it. The learning experience was priceless, and often, the fun in a project comes from figuring out how to do something, even if not everything goes according to plan. If you have any clever ideas on how to create a quality spinning-cast mirror, share them in the comments below! Who knows, this could inspire others who are exploring mirror-making techniques too.
Behind the Scene Insights:
Crafting a high-quality telescope mirror is a complex task that demands precision and exceptional material compatibility. While the video showcased various attempts, it's worth diving into some established methods that have proven successful:(1) Honeycomb Construction: The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab uses a honeycomb structure made from Ohara E6-type borosilicate glass. The glass is melted, molded, and spin-cast into a paraboloid shape.(2) Advanced Fabrication Techniques: The Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope features mirrors fabricated with novel techniques, resulting in extremely precise surfaces.
Despite the challenges in spin casting mirrors, such as precision, material compatibility, and cost, refining the techniques and possibly combining different materials and methods may pave the way for successful telescope mirror creation. By employing controlled environments using stable, high-density liquids or exploring advanced materials and coatings, we could potentially enhance the optical quality of the mirrors.
Engaging in the process, [Unnecessary Automation] realized that science and technology would be crucial in creating a high-quality telescope mirror. The honeycomb construction method, using Ohara E6-type borosilicate glass, and advanced fabrication techniques, as seen in the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, are promising solutions for tackling the challenges in spin casting.
