*This manual will be updated periodically to include further information and refinements.
◆ Basic Detail Regarding the Nib
1) Material: Titanium alloy Grade 23 ( = Grade 5 ELI )
"Extra low interstitial" (ELI) refers to a grade of titanium alloy, specifically Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) ELI, where "ELI" stands for "Extra Low Interstitials". This designation indicates a version of the standard Ti-6Al-4V alloy with significantly reduced levels of interstitial elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon.
The reduced interstitial content results in improved ductility, fracture toughness, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for demanding applications.
2) Material Origin: Germany
3) Nib size: M (0.7mm)
4) titanium alloy hardness: approximately Moh 6~6.5
* typical "iridium-point" hardness: approximately Moh 6.5~7.5. Really hard ones estimated to be Moh 7.5+
* stainless steel = ~6 / iridium = 6.5 / osmium = 7 / tungsten = 7.5 / hardened steel = 7~8 / tungsten carbide = 9 / diamond = 10
5) this nib is 100% precision-machined from a solid titanium rod
6) nib fixation method: thread-type. Easy disassembly, cleaning, and maintenence.
7) Nib - Feed assembly method: angular fixation + thread locking (precision within < 0.1mm, appropriate tolerance for easy assembly)
10) nib hole / feeder OD tolerance < 0.1mm (appropriate tolerance for easy assembly)
11) Ebonite feeder precision (outer diameter) = ±0.01mm
12) initially the nib point is machined in such way so some resistance is felt.
however this resistance will decrease as the pen is used.
Initial taming of the point is faster than conventional nib point alloys.
After the initial taming the nib point will wear down to your writing posture and will become very smooth. When the nib point wears down, the ink flow will be increased, due to the geometry of the machined ink groove. Also the writing alignment (horizontal) angle tolerance will be increased.
◆ Nib size: M (0.7mm)
*picture will be posted
◆ Import notes for the Nib
1) The nib point is machined into a complety round shape. so, initially the contact area is small on paper.
2) Because the contact area is small, and due to the non-split ink path, the writing angle (horizontal) tolerance is more strict than split type ink path nibs. Initially, if the nib is not properly aligned, due to the small tolerance angle, the nib will not transfer the ink to the paper properly.
3) However, we found out through experimentation, once the nib wears down to your writing posture, the contact area of the nib point to the paper increases.
4) This increased contact area seems to have the following effects:
* Increased ink flow (due to the geometry of the machined ink groove)
* Increased writing angle (horizontal) tolerance
* Smoother writing
5) If the ink flow becomes decreased than the usual amount, you can do one or all of the following:
* cleaning the ink groove path with paper / thin plastic film (this can be performed either without removing the nib (while the ink is flowing), or after completely disassembling the nib/feeder unit)
* disassembly of the nib/feeder unit and perform a thorough cleaning with a fine bristle toothbrush
* flossing the ink channels (two of them) of the ebonite feeder with a thin film of plastic or thin shim / feeler gauge (thickness 0.1mm)
* (much caution required !) flossing either one or both of the main ink channel groove of the ebonite feeder, using a razor blade. Do not apply too much pressure, and be cautious of accidental cut injury.
doing this will super boost the flow initially (can be too much if overdone), but flow will die down a bit after several days because ebonite is elastic, so the expanded ink channel actually shrinks a bit. However, there will be some permanent increase of ink flow. Just be very careful not to over do it.
*picture will be posted
◆ Maximum effective nib point length = *to be updated
1) because the titanium point is less hard than typical nib point alloys, the titanium point design is much elongated to maximize the nib longevity.
2) multiple regrind of the nib is possible by the user.
3) the user can grind the nib thickness and shape, if needed.
* it is less demanding to to grind than typical nib point alloys. so regrinding the nib point is relatively easier.
* do note that the titanium alloy is harder than stainless steel, so it may take some effort to grind the titanium.
*picture will be posted
◆ Feeder design optimized to maximize the effective nib point length (at 45 degrees).
Robust feeder design, so accidental breakage while disassembly is unlikely.
* when first filled with ink, initially ink flow may be unstable as the feeder is not fully wetted yet. But this should stabilize within 1 week, and full normalization(taming) could take longer.
Ebonite will naturally become hydrophlic (wettable), as the sulfur from the surface disappears and becomes porous. This naturally occuring porosification will take place on all surfaces exposed to air and ink, and complete taming requires much time. eventually outer surface, inside surface of the combs, air channel, and even the ink channel will become very hydrophilic.
* when first filled with ink, please point the nib upwards while carrying around to prevent any leakage.
after the feeder normalizes, this may not be necessary (except extreme circumstances).
*picture will be posted
◆ The nib point is designed in such a way, so that the writing thickness will be even across all range of the nib point length.
* initially the thickness will be thin because the end of the point is rounded.
* as the round point wears down, the writing thickness will increase (unless a regrind is done).
*picture will be posted
◆ How to regrind the nib: to be updated
*picture will be posted
◆ How to smooth the nib point
- sanding pad (sponge type), grit #2000~3000 recommended.
- do not use too fine abrasive, as too much polished nib point can cause skipping issues.
- If the nib feel a bit scratchy while writing:
removing scratchiness of the 2nd gen nib is much easier compared to the first gen.
simply draw circles in equal amounts in both clockwise and counterclockwise direction on the sponge sanding pad.
* while drawing the circles, hold the pen in your usual writing posture.
* some writing force (typical writing force) is required, but never extreme amount.
* never use sand paper to smooth the nib point, use only the sponge type ones.
* sand paper type is for grinding the shape of the nib to your preference, not for smoothing.
* never grind below 45 degrees angle
(45 degrees = typical writing angle. You can increase the angle of the pen between 45~90 degrees(vertical) for grinding. But never below 45 degrees, because the function of the ink groove can be permanently damaged)
◆ How to remove / install Nib & Feeder
Removing the nib: grab the nib with your index finger and thumb, then rotate it counterclowise direction until the nib/feeder assembly can be removed.
the nib/feeder assembly can be separated by simply pulling the feeder out of the nib.
Installing the nib: simply reverse the process of installing the nib
*picture will be posted
◆ methods of pen ink refill.
After removing the titanium nib (open counterclockwise), directly filling into the grip section hole with syringe / spoid.
* when filling the ink, you must insert the syringe / spoid deep into the barrel, past the end of the feeder position. there is a small step where the feeder cannot go past any further when it is installed. you must insert past this step, otherwise the ink may not flow down properly.
*picture will be posted
