Reasons to Choose Rapidographs for Illustration and Drafting

Rapidographs have been a standard tool used in illustration, drafting and even fine art for decades. The pens have a level of reliability that cannot be found with crow quills, brushes or even disposable technical pens. Although they take a little practice to use effectively at first, rapidographs can become invaluable over time. There are several reasons to choose rapidographs for illustration or drafting.



Consistent Line Weight Every Time

One of the main draws of Koh-i-noor Rapidograph pens is that they produce a consistent line weight every time when used correctly. This is because the steel tips and spiral interior allow ink to flow at a predictable rate out of a nib that does not change shape. Even pressing down a little will not cause the line weight to increase. A consistent line weight will help with illustration, graphic design and technical drafting.

Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

The tips on rapidographs are easily removable with a special key. The tips are very easy to clean and maintain. They can be soaked and washed in a simple solution that will dissolve the ink inside and keep the nib clear. The ink reservoir inside is also very simple to remove and clean. Most people who use rapidographs clean them once every few days for the best performance and longest life.

Refillable Reservoirs

Koh-i-noor Rapidograph pens have a refillable reservoir inside instead of a disposable sealed cartridge. This means nearly any type of ink that is thin enough can be used inside of the pens. Some illustrators and artists actually used thinned gouache or watercolor inside of the pens. Many inks made especially for rapidographs are available in a wide range of colors.

Wide Selection of Tips

There are many different tips available for rapidographs. Tips can be changed out on a single body as needed. It is far more common to own a set of rapidographs so that each tip size has a dedicated body. The tips range from the thinnest 0x3 up to a size 4.0.

Compatible with All Drafting Tools

Nearly all drafting tools made over the last two decades are designed to work with rapidographs. This includes everything from compasses and pantographs to parallel rules and drafting machines. Rapidographs do not usually bleed under a drafting tool like disposable pens, brushes or crow quills.
If you are interested in purchasing a rapidograph, you can find them on online specialty drafting stores.