An espresso cup specially designed with fins, to ensure the successful deployment of your rocket fuel. All systems are go! Paraboloid bowl holds approximately 1.5 fl oz. or 45 mL. (Note that I previously claimed the cup held 60 mL. While my 3D modelling software still reports that as the internal volume, some combination of the printing process and glazing is robbing me of internal volume. Contact me if you'd be interested in a larger, more expensive 60 mL cup.)
After receiving feedback from Shapeways, I've created a slightly revised model for the cup. I'm told that this model will be easier to print and glaze, leading to a more reliable product. The changes are minor -- it's a little wider, a little heavier, and has more rounding on edges that were previously sharp (a 3D rendering shows the differences above).
Update (April 13th, 2013): The cup has had a great run on Shapeways, and I deeply appreciate the attention and positive feedback it has received. The bad news is that I've got to stop offering it for sale here. The good news is that the cup is now available commercially! It's being manufactured by Fred and Friends, sold under the name "Blast Off! Espresso Cup Set". It's already available for purchase online (perpetualkid.com, thinkgeek.com), and I'm sure you'll be able to find it in your favourite housewares store soon.
Combine the connector piece with any set of 36 standard hexagonal pencils of about 7.0 mm cross section (measured at the smallest diameter). These types of sets are available around the world from many department stores and art supply stores - I’ve seen good sets for as little as 5 euro.
Examples of pencils that fit are Stabilo Aquacolor 1600, and Caran d’Ache Prismalo I, but there are many more. I’ve recently heard that in the US, Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils (available from Amazon and others) work well. Normal black pencils often have the same size and shape and can be used too.
If you are new to the Shapeways website: to order you will be asked to create an account (it's easy). Assembly may leave slight marks on pencils. For more information on this or other products, please visit www.michielcornelissen.com.
