Figure 1
Test Sheets. The original test sheet (left image) was printed first and subsequently had 2 lines drawn on it with each pen, yielding toner-first samples. The second test sheet (right image) was then printed on the same sheet, yielding ink-first samples.
Table 1
List of the 15 pens tested.
| Brand | Model of Pen | Ink Type | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uni-ball | Insight Fine | Fluid | Black |
| Uni-ball | Insight Fine | Fluid | Blue |
| Uni-ball | Insight Fine | Fluid | Red |
| Pentel | EnerGel Deluxe Fine | Gel | Black |
| Pentel | EnerGel Deluxe Fine | Gel | Blue |
| Pentel | EnerGel Deluxe Fine | Gel | Red |
| Pilot | Frixion Ball Erasable Fine | Gel | Black |
| Pilot | Frixion Ball Erasable Fine | Gel | Blue |
| Pilot | Frixion Ball Erasable Fine | Gel | Red |
| Xeno | Retractable Ballpoint | Fluid | Blue |
| Bic | Round Stic Medium | Fluid | Black |
| Staples | Comfort Stic | Fluid | Blue |
| Pilot | G2 Fine | Gel | Blue |
| Uni-ball | Signo 207 Retractable | Gel | Red |
| Uni-ball | Signo 207 Retractable | Gel | Blue |
Figure 2
Standard Toner Removal Results. Examples of intersections of toner and the Uniball Insight Fine Blue pen after standard toner removal. A toner-first intersection using the X-Acto razor blade (left image) and an ink-first intersection using the needle (right image).
Figure 3
Toner Removal After Freezing Results. Examples of intersections of toner and the Uniball Insight Fine Red pen after freezing. A toner-first intersection using the X-Acto razor blade (left image) and an ink-first intersection using the X-Acto razor blade (right image.)
Figure 4
Erasable Inks. In the top row are toner-first (left image) and ink-first (right image) intersections with Pilot Frixion Ball Erasable Fine Blue pen after standard toner removal. The ink line is not visible in the ink-first sample. In the second row are toner-first (left image) and ink-first (right image) intersections when the toner removal was conducted after freezing. Note that the ink line is present in the ink-first sample. In the third row are toner-first (left image) and ink-first (right image) intersections imaged with a spot filter of the VSC.
Figure 5
Comparison of Toner Removal Instruments. Examples of intersections of toner and the Pentel Energel Deluxe Fine Red pen after freezing and toner removal. An ink-first intersection using the X-Acto razor blade (left image) and an ink-first intersection using the needle (right image) show results were common for each instrument.
Figure 6
Comparison of Standard v. Freezing. In the top row are toner-first (left image) and ink-first (right image) intersections with the Bic Round Stic Black pen after standard toner removal. In the second row are toner-first (left image) and ink first (right image) intersections with the Bic Round Stic Black pen after freezing and toner removal. Note that the bottom-left image indicates that the ink penetrated the toner.