Ebonite is hard rubber, a natural rubber cross-linked through high sulphur shares, which is coloured black through soot additions. Modern feeds mostly consist of polyamide (Nylon, Delrin) and are produced by injection moulding, while ebonite feeds have to be mechanically cut. Ebonite shows better adhesion properties for ink, which is why enthusiasts prefer traditionally made ebonite feeds. A precisely constructed plastic feed can, however, be functionally equivalent or even superior; decisive remain the precision of lamellas and capillaries. The appeal of the ebonite feed thus also lies in the craft demand and in the image.