Piston fill vs. C/C

[Escribiente]

Yes, you can find piston fillers that hesitate or skip. In my experience, these problems are more often caused by converters--70% chance that the converter will be the culprit when you have flow problems. The fact that all cc pens work better with cartridges is very telling.

 

This is a mechanical problem that few modern pen makers even think about, let alone address in their designs. Converters, besides the small capacity, have a smaller diameter, which means that, if the plastic is not the right kind, superficial tension will fight capillarity. Piston fillers, on the other hand, have a wider diameter; therefore superficial tension is never a problem. From the design standpoint alone, converters are going to be much more prone to cause flow problems.

 

From a usability standpoint, eyedroppers are the best option. They have all the advantages of piston fillers and cc combined. Unfortunately, pens have to be designed to work as eyedroppers; and usability seems to be of little importance among modern pen makers, much more concerned with the looks of a pen.

[alvarez57]

QUOTE (Escribiente @ Feb 19 2007, 03:15 AM)

Yes, you can find piston fillers that hesitate or skip. In my experience, these problems are more often caused by converters--70% chance that the converter will be the culprit when you have flow problems. The fact that all cc pens work better with cartridges is very telling. This is a mechanical problem that few modern pen makers even think about, let alone address in their designs. Converters, besides the small capacity, have a smaller diameter, which means that, if the plastic is not the right kind, superficial tension will fight capillarity. Piston fillers, on the other hand, have a wider diameter; therefore superficial tension is never a problem. From the design standpoint alone, converters are going to be much more prone to cause flow problems.

Escribiente, Gracias!

Thanks for the explanation b.c. it now makes sense to me about many of my pens having the skipping problem which I thought it was the feeder.

Edited February 19, 2007 by alvarez57

[offbase]

Never had a problem with a piston fill. I prefer piston, plunger or lever fill. Vacs are also good. I'm not too fond of conventional (pre-vac) button fillers.

[pkoko]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread..

 

I just wish more converters are screw type converters into the feed. This way they make a more air tight seal with the feed.