How to write - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: PerranOak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 03:58:50 pm
content: I often wish to write on plastic or metal, e.g. PCB, cable/connector, etc. - or even glass.However, normal felt pens will not do it the ink just wipes off even when “dry”.Does anyone know of a pen (fine nib, not fat like a Sharpie) that will do this?Cheers.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 04:17:43 pm
content: fine tip sharpie?

author: oPossum
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 04:36:54 pm
content: A paint pen/markerhttp://pilotpen.us/categories/permanent-markers/gold-silver-metallic-marker/

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 04:41:15 pm
content: Even so-called permanent markers like Sharpies aren't persistent on smooth metal surfaces, glass and glazed or vitrified ceramics, and waxy plastics and dependent on the carrier solvent may not be persistent on smooth epoxy surfaces e.g. PCBs. They typically smudge or wipe off with skin contact during normal handling. For a permanent result, you are likely to have to prepare the surface by abrading, etching or flame treating it it, then use a paint pen or preferably a pigment ink with a themo-curable binder compatible with the substrate, and seal it with a coat of lacquer.

author: Twoflower
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 04:49:40 pm
content: How about paint markers likeEdding 780or similar ones.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 04:52:38 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on April 30, 2020, 04:41:15 pmYou can bake it though at something like 200oC. And then it will be pain in the ass to remove even with strong solvent.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 05:30:11 pm
content: What's your budget?

author: aargee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 07:07:29 am
content: Those fine tip 'white-out' pens do a fairly good job.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 07:13:40 am
content: You can get really fine point Sharpies / permanant markers.

author: Wendy_Preston
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 07:31:10 am
content: How about CD/DVD marker pens?https://www.amazon.co.uk/TDK-CD-DVD-Marker-labeling-black/dp/B000ANH0AA

author: PerranOak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 10:39:01 am
content: That's brill, thanks all - I'll look into those ideas.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 06:28:34 pm
content: The Edding 8404 Aerospace marker works well, nice and fine. It's a bit prone to drying out though.https://www.edding.com/products/edding-8404-aerospace-marker/

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 09:13:31 pm
content: I use one of those little label printer things, I think mine is made by Brother, I got it for a few dollars from a thrift store. The tape cartridges are expensive but you get quite a few labels out of one. They're a lot tidier than hand written labels, at least a lot tidier than *my* handwritten labels.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2020, 09:26:34 pm
content: An old school option is a drafting pen with appropriate ink. Plain old India ink is OK, not great on many of these surfaces. I don't recall brand names but there are grippier inks available.