Ballpoint Pens

Ballpoint Pens

Ballpoint pens, also known as biros, are a type of writing instrument that uses a small rotating ball made of brass, steel, or tungsten carbide to transfer ink from the pen's reservoir onto the writing surface. The ball is held in a socket that allows it to rotate freely, which ensures a smooth and consistent flow of ink as the pen is moved across the paper. Ballpoint pens are popular for their convenience, durability, and versatility, and are widely used for everyday writing tasks, note-taking, and drawing. The first ballpoint pen was invented in 1938 by László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist who was frustrated with the smudging and uneven lines produced by fountain pens. Bíró's design used a tiny ball bearing that rolled on the surface of the paper, picking up ink from a reservoir and depositing it in a controlled manner. The ballpoint pen quickly became popular for its reliability and ease of use, and has since been adapted into a wide variety of styles and designs to suit different preferences and needs. Today, ballpoint pens are available in a range of colors, tip sizes, and ink formulations, including oil-based, gel-based, and hybrid inks. They are used by people of all ages and professions, from students and office workers to artists and designers. While ballpoint pens are generally considered to be less expressive and artistic than other types of pens, such as fountain pens or brush pens, they remain a popular and reliable choice for everyday writing tasks.

biros, writing instrument, rotating ball, ink, convenience

— Matthew Johnson

CITATION : "Matthew Johnson. 'Ballpoint Pens.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=368032 (Accessed on July 06, 2025)"