Origins
The concept of using a "ball point" within a writing instrument to apply ink to paper has existed since the late 19th century. In these inventions, the … See more

It is generally believed that gravity is needed to coat the ball with ink. In fact most ballpoint pens on the Earth do not work when writing … See more

The common ballpoint pen is a product of mass production, with components produced separately on assembly lines. Basic steps in the manufacturing process include the … See more

Ballpoint pen ink is normally a paste containing around 25 to 40 percent dye. The dyes are suspended in a mixture of solvents and fatty acids. The most common of the … See more

Ballpoint pens are produced in both disposable and refillable models. Refills allow for the entire internal ink reservoir, including a ballpoint and socket, to be replaced. Such characteristics are usually associated with designer-type pens or those constructed … See more

The ballpoint pen has proven to be a versatile art medium for both professional artists and amateur doodlers. Low cost, availability, and portability are cited by practitioners as … See more

The International Organization for Standardization has published standards for ball point and roller ball pens:
ISO 12756 1998: … See more