On Mon, 02 Feb 2004 05:36:48 -0000, mikezcnc <
eemikez@...> wrote:
> Perosnally, the whole discussion got me to start my proect with
> plotter. Anazingly, I was able to 'retrofit' an ink pen in 5 minutes.
> I am using HP type ink pens with fiber tips which is not a great
> resolution but it might be enough for quick prototypes. Procedure:
> remove the cap of the plotter pen by prying the cap with exacto
> knife. Remove the piece of felt that sits inside (don't worry about
> your fingers, it's protected in plastic sleeve). Open a Sharpie pan
> by grabbing the pen with pliers and remove the felt core (also
> contained in plastic). Cau the same amount as needed, and stick it
> into a reworked plotter pen. Replace the caps on both pens. You are
> done. No need to flush the old ink as the black overrode my initial
> yellow. I was amazed how swift the operation was. using an xy Roland
> plotter. The problem? The fiber pen is way too thick. The solution? I
> may have used and old ink pen that had a flattened fiber tip. I
> pulled out the fiber tip from the plotter pen and stuck it form the
> other end back into the pen. The tip is sharp and probably was
> designed to be used as a replacement. I can draw very nice lines now.
> Added bonus? Possibly I can press the tip deeper to 'compensate' for
> the PCB thickness. Mike
>
>
I encountered the following problem:
all felt/nylon tips i hade had a line with dependent of moving speed.
if you move fast enough, it is thick enough. but at corners it will "tear
out".
if you move slow enough to have the same with full length it is too thick
(0,5mm)
for me.
I tried carbide tipped metal pens which should get rid oft this problem.
this pens
do not work properly on copper. the metal tip scratches off the ink with
the trailing edge,
the layer becomes too thin to act as a resist.
next problem: very slow. with all the straight short segments and rounded
sections it takes
minutes to draw a small board. in that time i can iron one easily...
I can suggest the plotter only for component outline, not for high
resolution resist.
not even throughhole quality if you ask me.
ST