3D-printed HP plotter pen models, using ballpoint pen refils. Pros:
- easily available refills in multiple colors
- very thin lines
- less prone to dry out than ink pens
- much more writing distance per pen compared to ink pens Cons:
- requires thicker paper else ball might not roll and leave ink on paper
- not suitable for points of very short lines (<1mm)
- very thin lines (not suitable for filling polygons or thick lines)
The pens are compatible with the follwing plotters:
- HP 9872
- HP 7440A ColorPro
- HP 7225
- HP 7470A
- HP 7475A
- HP 7550 (can be used with full-size uncut refills)
- HP 7090A Measurement Plotting System
- DEC LVP16
- IBM 7372
- IBM 6180
To be used with refills taken out of from Bic Cristal pens, available in multiple colors. Example:
- https://www.amazon.com/BIC-MSBAPP241-Ballpoint-Assorted-24-Count/dp/B075CGYY5P/
- https://www.amazon.com/BIC-Cristal-Multicolour-Ballpoint-Point/dp/B07LF68GPR/
Cut off refill tube 3-4 mm above top of printed pen body - if you used white PETG, you can smear ink from the cut-off session on top of pen for easier identification. Warning: messy
Those are short refills for the so-called "Badable" DIY pens. Available in black, blue & red in packs of 100+. Example:
The ink level in the refill tube is usually at the perfect so the tube can be shortened without causing a mess.
Work-In-Progress !
For gel pens, includes a stopper to keep the refill in place. Not fully tested yet, gel ink tends to seep out from the cut-off tubes if pens are not kept vertically and make a huge mess.