How to write

[PerranOak]

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.

[themadhippy]

fine tip sharpie?

[oPossum]

A paint pen/marker

http://pilotpen.us/categories/permanent-markers/gold-silver-metallic-marker/

[Ian.M]

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.

[Twoflower]

How about paint markers like Edding 780 or similar ones.

[wraper]

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.

You can bake it though at something like 200^oC. And then it will be pain in the ass to remove even with strong solvent.

[Alex Eisenhut]

What's your budget?



 

[aargee]

Those fine tip 'white-out' pens do a fairly good job.

[EEVblog]

You can get really fine point Sharpies / permanant markers.

[Wendy_Preston]

How about CD/DVD marker pens?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TDK-CD-DVD-Marker-labeling-black/dp/B000ANH0AA

[PerranOak]

That's brill, thanks all - I'll look into those ideas.

[Gyro]

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/

[james_s]

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.

[CatalinaWOW]

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.