Abstract: A heated apparatus, positioned in the X, Y, and Z directions, for forming fine lines of molten material on a substrate. The apparatus includes a pen having a refractory tip wetted with material in a molten state. The tip is attached to a V-shaped heater to form a heater assembly. The ends of the V-shaped heater are welded to the pins of a three lead TO-5 package base. The pen is then mounted on an apparatus adapted to direct writing. To that end, the pen is attached to a supporting device capable of moving in the X, Y, and Z directions. When the welding point of the tip/heater assembly reaches the melting point of the material to be deposited, it is dipped in a crucible containing the material in a molten state. The welding point nucleates a minute drop of the molten material, forming a reservoir. A thin film of material flows from the reservoir and wets the tip, which is then brought in contact with the substrate upon which the desired pattern is to be formed.

Abstract: A method for forming a desired pattern of a material of conductive or non-conductive type on a variety of substrates. It is based on the use of a pen which essentially consists of a refractory tip wetted with the material in the molten state. The pen preferably consists of a pointed tungsten tip attached to the top of a V-shaped tungsten heater, forming a heater assembly. The tip and the heater top portion are roughened at the vicinity of the welding point. In turn, the ends of the V-shaped heater are welded to the pins of a 3-lead TO-5 package base. The pen is incorporated in an apparatus adapted to the direct writing technique. To that end, the pen is attached to a supporting device capable of movements in the X, Y and Z directions, while the substrate is placed on an X-Y stage for adequate X, Y and Z relative movements therebetween. The two pins of the pen are connected to a power supply to resistively heat the heater.