We are sure that many readers will be interested in reading the word "speedograph" in the title of the article. What it is? Where is it used? You will receive answers to these questions by reading this article.
What is a rapidograph? The manual attached to it states that it is a drawing device. He does not need to regularly fill it with paint. It has a tank for carcasses, which greatly facilitates its cleaning and refueling. A very thin thread made of wire ensures an uninterrupted supply of paint for a long time, while the effect of friction of the tool on the paper is minimized.
Tool History
Today, many architects, engineers, artists appreciated the speedograph. What it is will become more clear when you learn how the device was created.
For a long time, a tool called a drawing pen was used for ink drawing. But its design did not allow precise adjustment of the line thickness.
In 1928, Rotring invented the first ink pen, which they called Tiku or Inkograph. It used a thin tube instead of a pen. The pen did not leave blots and sagging, wrote very clearly. Based on it, in 1953 a pen for drawing was created, which was called the rapidograph. What is it, pretty quickly everyone who was involved in the design realized. The device allowed to draw a line that always had a strictly defined thickness. In addition, he continuously and uniformly supplied ink. Since the company Rotring was the first to create such a tool, then subsequently the pens of all companies began to be called rapidographs.
Rapidograph predecessor - raiser
It would be wrong in this article not to talk about the predecessor of this necessary tool - the lender. For a long time he was a faithful assistant to architects, draftsmen, engineers, graphic designers. It was filled with ink or gouache and was used to draw lines of the required thickness. The spread and popularity of the feeder began to decline rapidly thirty years ago when the world learned about the advent of the technical pen. And today, many believe that the predecessor of the speedograph (raiser) has completely disappeared from our lives thanks to the advent of the computer. But is it?
It turns out that in the world of calligraphy, drawing pens are still very popular today, but not as a tool for railing. Reisfeder now plays a new role for himself. He became a writing tool. In recent years, interest in handwritten letters has sharply increased. This made it possible for the project manager to challenge the view that the brushwriter is the best choice.
Rapidograph Advantages
Graphic artists believe that the speedograph provides the opportunity to more fully control the process. As a result, lines of the highest quality can be applied.
Modern manufacturers make various sizes of tips. For their production stainless steel, tungsten and precious metals are used.
Today, speedographs of such manufacturers as are very popular:
- Faber Castell.
- Rotring.
- Koh-I-Noor.
- Pentel
Tool varieties
All rapidographs produced today can be divided into three groups:
- with multiple refueling;
- with disposable cartridge;
- disposable.
Rotring Company
In 1928, the employees of this company became famous for their revolutionary invention - the “eternal pen” - a fountain pen with a narrow steel tube that replaced the usual pen. But true success came to the company later, when this pen was transformed into a high-quality drawing tool, which was called a speedograph. Rotring is a company whose particular calling card is this tool.
In 1998, the famous company was acquired by the American company Sanford, which specializes in graphic products. Now this company produces more than three thousand items of goods necessary for professionals - rulers, compasses, templates, drawing boards, tools for designers and artists, writing instruments. The Rotling Rapidograph is a guarantee of high quality and durability. All products of this company have an exquisite design and high technical characteristics.
Speedometer Faber Castell
Another leading company whose products are highly regarded throughout the world. The firm owes this success to the international strategy that it has adhered to for many decades, a guarantee of high quality and the desire to constantly produce new high-quality products.
The main production facilities of the company are in Austria, Germany, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia. In addition, Faber Castell has sales offices and branches in more than 100 countries.
The line of Faber Castell rapidographs is represented by samples of 9 line thicknesses, which start at 0.13 and end at 2 mm. You can buy a set of rapidographs of this company. They are reliable, accurate and, just as important, easy to use. Rapidographs are refilled with ink (or cartridges) that are soluble in water. Mascara for rapidograph should be specially designed for this tool.
Gas station
When you purchase a rapidograph, instructions are attached to it. It describes in detail how to properly refill ink cartridge. It should reach the boundary line that is indicated on the wall of the cartridge, leaving some of the space for air. After refueling, clean all the tool elements with a dry paper towel, including the areas around the connection between the tip and the speedograph case.
Mascara
The tool should be held down with the tip. Lightly tap the body (top end) with your finger. Draw a line on paper. If the mascara does not enter, turn the rapidograph horizontally and gently shake it. Try again to draw a line. If there is no effect this time, the instrument should be turned upside down and gently tap the case on a hard surface. If the cause is a clogged tip, then this should give a positive effect.
Hand position
In order for the rapidograph to work for a long time and efficiently, it is necessary to choose the correct position of the tool. It can be located either at a slight angle to the surface of the base, or strictly vertically. You must choose the most convenient option for yourself. This tool differs from ordinary pens in that it is able to move smoothly on paper in any direction.
The best fundamentals for a rapidograph are smooth and hard types of paper. Rapidograph mascara is specially developed. It is characterized by good fluidity, thereby providing the artist with freedom in creativity. Such mascara gives smooth and clear lines, dries quickly. Water resistant species are not smeared.
Rapidograph Care
Even the highest quality carcasses will sooner or later clog the tip if you do not regularly clean it. Naturally, with careful handling and care. Simple rules should be followed:
- If you will not use the tool for more than a minute, cover it with a cap. Inside it there is a “cushion” that seals the tip hermetically, which prevents the carcass from drying out inside it.
- If you work on fibrous or soft materials, the possibility of clogging of the tips increases significantly.
- The rapidograph is a fairly robust tool, but its tip can be easily damaged by rough handling (for example, when dropped to the floor).
- Assembling the rapidograph after cleaning, tighten all plastic parts of the case tightly.
Cleaning
Unscrew the body parts and carefully, with tapping movements, remove excess mascara on a paper towel. Unscrew the tip from the base and wash both parts in running warm water or in a special solution for rapidographs. This solution is effective when working with waterproof mascara. Dry with a cloth all parts of the body, and especially the tip. Assemble the tool. Effectively you can remove the remnants of the cleaning solution through the tip opening with a syringe. Attach the tip and body to the syringe and lower it into clean water. Rinse the tip several times under pressure. When it becomes clean, repeat this procedure using a rapidograph solution. And at the very end, rinse the tool with water. This will help remove all residues of cleanser. Thoroughly shake off any remaining fluid and wipe the parts dry with a paper towel.
You can use another way to clean the speedograph. It is especially effective in cases when the tool has not been regularly cleaned, and as a result it has become very clogged. This is an ultrasonic cleaner. Its price can vary from 35 to 160 dollars. With large volumes of graphic work, an ultrasonic cleaner will justify the cost.
Tool cost
In conclusion, it is necessary to say how much the speedograph costs. Its price depends on the material used, model, manufacturer. For example, a Faber Castell rapidograph costs between 320 and 1300 rubles apiece. And the company Rotling offers its tool at a price of 200 to 1400 rubles apiece.
We presented you a drawing tool rapidograph. What is it, you now know. We will be glad if it is useful to you in professional activities.