MOVA Technology Series: How We Build and Print Our Globes

In the final instalment of our MOVA Technology series, we’re diving into two critical elements of what makes a MOVA Globe so unique — our patented printing technique and precision assembly process. These are the finishing touches that transform intricate technology into an elegant, mesmerising piece of art.

But before we get into what sets our approach apart, it’s important to understand how globes have traditionally been made.

Traditional Globemaking vs MOVA Globes

The Gore Method

In traditional globemaking, flat world maps are applied to a spherical surface using a method called goring. Here’s how it works:

• A printed map is sliced into angled sections called gores.

• These curved segments are painstakingly aligned from the North Pole to the South Pole, then affixed around the sphere one by one.

• The result is a globe where you can usually spot the seams — visible lines that mark where each gore meets.

There are two ways to work with gores. One is to cut the design into separate strips and then affix them to the globe one by one. A second method is cutting the gores angular sections without separating them and then attaching the whole piece to the globe. 

The finished result has the gores lined up from the north and south poles to reproduce the design.

It’s an artform that requires time, accuracy, and a steady hand.

MOVA’s Stretch-Forming Technique

At MOVA, we take a different approach.

We use a stretch-forming method where each hemisphere of the design is printed on a flat sheet and stretched over a corresponding half of the sphere. These two hemispheres are then bonded together at the equator.

While it sounds simple, stretch-forming presents unique challenges:

• The material expands as it’s stretched, potentially warping colours and shapes.

• It increases the risk of cracks or colour inconsistencies.

• Aligning the two halves with perfect precision requires expert craftsmanship.

So why choose this method? Because it produces a seamless, continuous design — free of the visible lines and cuts that you’d find on gore-based globes.

Our Patented Printing Process

One of the most common questions we get is: “Where are the solar panels?” The answer lies in our proprietary printing process.

To achieve that clean, uninterrupted look:

• The solar cells are cleverly hidden behind the printed design — inside the globe.

• We use a special ink blend that’s translucent enough to let light in but opaque enough to conceal the internal mechanics.

• The inks must be colour-accurate, distortion-resistant, and able to withstand the optical effects of our signature liquid suspension.

In addition to the inks, there are different types of printing processes. We select the appropriate process based on the design we need to create. For silver designs like our Black and Silver MOVA Globe and Constellations MOVA Globe, a specific type of process is required to ensure the colors are rendered as multifaceted and shiny, not dull and flat.

In short, our print process does triple duty: it lets in light, hides the tech, and maintains a crisp, high-quality visual on the surface.

Tailored for Every Design

Not all designs are created equal. For example:

• Our Black and Silver MOVA Globe or Constellations Globe require advanced techniques to preserve the richness and reflective properties of metallic tones.

• In these cases, we opt for a different type of screenprinting process to ensure the final finish looks vibrant, not flat.

The Final Assembly: Where It All Comes Together

A MOVA Creation is more than the sum of its parts. Here's how it all works in harmony:

1. Solar cells (hidden beneath the surface) generate energy from ambient light.

2. A motion mechanism, powered by this energy, responds to the Earth’s magnetic field.

3. This mechanism is suspended within a clear, fluid-filled outer shell, allowing the globe to rotate smoothly with near-zero friction.

4. Our stretch-formed graphics and patented inks provide a seamless design that appears to float and spin magically.

Every single globe is hand-assembled with meticulous attention to detail, making each MOVA Creation a small scientific marvel — and an unforgettable gift.