Invention and Engineering

Ballpoint pen

A ballpoint pen is a pen that dispenses ink (usually in paste form) over a hard ball rolling in its point. The materials commonly used are steel, brass, or tungsten carbide. The design was conceived and developed as a cleaner and more reliable alternative to dip pens and fountain pens. It is now the world's most-used writing instrument, with millions manufactured and sold daily. It has influenced art and graphic design and spawned an artwork genre.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸FS Class 600
• ▸Edvin Loach and Saltmarshe
• ▸Erlangen

Uncatalogued shelf

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