Material, design, customization
Pencils - interesting facts about pencil mechanisms and leads
Material, design, customization
Pencils - interesting facts about mechanisms and leads
IN SHORT
IN SHORT
IN SHORT
- The different types of pencils and their subtypes serve different purposes
- There are different pencil mechanisms for mechanical pencils
- Graphite leads and polymer leads are used in different ways
- Practical example: pencil mechanisms can be customized in such a way that they can also be integrated into unusual designs
- The different types of pencils and their subtypes serve different purposes
- There are different pencil mechanisms for mechanical pencils
- Graphite leads and polymer leads are used in different ways
- Practical example: pencil mechanisms can be customized in such a way that they can also be integrated into unusual designs
Everyone knows it, everyone has it, everyone needs it: the pencil .
For centuries, writing instruments have been an indispensable tool at school, at work and at home.
Behind the seemingly simple construction of a pencil lies a fascinating world of materials and mechanisms.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the different types of pencil leads and pencil mechanisms that the pencils contain.
Pencil theory
TYPES OF PENCILS.
If you want to categorize pencils, you can divide them into wooden pencils and mechanical pencils. Pencils can be customized to such an extent that many forms of the writing instrument have now emerged.
Pencil theory
Types of pencils.
If you want to categorize pencils, you can divide them into wooden pencils and mechanical pencils.
Pencils can be customized to such an extent that many forms of the writing instrument have now emerged.
The wooden pencil
The traditional wooden pencil is widely used. Its lead is embedded in a wooden shaft and is exposed by sharpening.
Over time, subtypes have emerged by deviating from the traditional round shape and common length.
The wooden pencil was thus able to prove that it is the right writing instrument for many different applications and conditions.
The carpenter's pencil
An above-average length, rectangular, roll-proof pencil that is mainly used on construction sites. It is mainly used for markings on wood, concrete and masonry and has a soft lead.
The stonemason´s pen
If a harder lead is required than for a carpenter’s pencil, workers reach for a mason’s pencil. Its particularly robust lead withstands hard writing pressure on solid surfaces and does not break easily.
The multigraph pen
It is also known as a triangular pencil. Here too, the area of application defines its raison d’être. The multigraph pencil is used as a marker on tiles, glass, metal or expanded polystyrene. Its lead is usually made of graphite, but can also contain a colored lead.
The mechanical pencil
With the invention of the mechanical pencil, the wooden pencil gained a serious competitor: the mechanical pencil.
The mechanism is the heart of the writing instrument. It holds the refill in place and transports it forwards when required.
When the lead is used up, a new one is inserted into the pencil. There are also subtypes of mechanical pencils. These are defined by their differently designed internal mechanism.
The mechanical pencil
Mechanical pencils, also known as fine lead pencils, offer a constant line width and do not need to be sharpened.
Mechanical pencils push the lead forward by manually applying pressure. They are particularly practical and are ideal for precise work.
The mechanical pencil
Mechanical pencils, also known as twist pencils, contain a thin polymer lead and always write with an even thickness.
Accidental breakage of the lead when retrieving the pencil is minimized, as this process – in contrast to mechanical pencils – is not carried out by pressure but by a twisting mechanism.
The clutch pencil
A special mechanical pencil is the clutch pencil. It contains a thick lead of 2 mm or more, which is held in place by a clamping mechanism.
It can be pushed forward when required. Clutch pencils are particularly popular with artists and technicians because they are especially robust and versatile.
The wooden pencil
The traditional wooden pencil is widely used. Its lead is embedded in a wooden shaft and is exposed by sharpening.
Over time, subtypes have emerged by deviating from the traditional round shape and common length.
The wooden pencil was thus able to prove that it is the right writing instrument for many different applications and conditions.
The carpenter's pencil
An above-average length, rectangular, roll-proof pencil that is mainly used on construction sites. It is mainly used for markings on wood, concrete and masonry and has a soft lead.
The stonemason´s pen
If a harder lead is required than for a carpenter’s pencil, workers reach for a mason’s pencil. Its particularly robust lead withstands hard writing pressure on solid surfaces and does not break easily.
The multigraph pen
It is also known as a triangular pencil. Here too, the area of application defines its raison d’être. The multigraph pencil is used as a marker on tiles, glass, metal or expanded polystyrene. Its lead is usually made of graphite, but can also contain a colored lead.
The mechanical pencil
With the invention of the mechanical pencil, the wooden pencil gained a serious competitor: the mechanical pencil.
The mechanism is the heart of the writing instrument. It holds the refill in place and transports it forwards when required.
When the lead is used up, a new one is inserted into the pencil. There are also subtypes of mechanical pencils. These are defined by their differently designed internal mechanism.
The mechanical pencil
Mechanical pencils, also known as fine lead pencils, offer a constant line width and do not need to be sharpened.
Mechanical pencils push the lead forward by manually applying pressure. They are particularly practical and are ideal for precise work.
The mechanical pencil
Mechanical pencils, also known as twist pencils, contain a thin polymer lead and always write with an even thickness.
Accidental breakage of the lead when retrieving the pencil is minimized, as this process – in contrast to mechanical pencils – is not carried out by pressure but by a twisting mechanism.
The clutch pencil
A special mechanical pencil is the clutch pencil. It contains a thick lead of 2 mm or more, which is held in place by a clamping mechanism.
It can be pushed forward when required. Clutch pencils are particularly popular with artists and technicians because they are especially robust and versatile.
Each manufacturer works with different design specifications.
There are many different requirements and wishes for materials, dimensions, functions and finishes.
These concern both the external appearance and the internal components of the writing instrument.
Customization of mechanical pencils.
Specialized designers take an interdisciplinary approach to aspects of durability, innovation and quality .
You work with customers to draw up design plans and create prototypes.
Only when the pen meets the strict requirements is it released for sale.
These customization options contribute to the wonderful variety in the trade.
However, they also pose a great challenge to the skills of the pen designer.
In a high-quality writing instrument, the individual parts must function flawlessly on their own and together.
Just like a top-class orchestra.
Each manufacturer works with different design specifications.
There are many different requirements and wishes for materials, dimensions, functions and finishes.
These concern both the external appearance and the internal components of the writing instrument.
Customization of mechanical pencils.
Specialized designers take an interdisciplinary approach to aspects of durability, innovation and quality .
You work with customers to draw up design plans and create prototypes.
Only when the pen meets the strict requirements is it released for sale.
These customization options contribute to the wonderful variety in the trade.
However, they also pose a great challenge to the skills of the pen designer.
A practical example
Integration of ONE pencil mechanism in EXTRAVAGANT design
A practical example
Integration of a pencil mechanism in an extravagant design
One example from our practice is a joint project with the wood manufacturer e+m in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz. The manufacturer requested a suitable pencil mechanism for one of its high-quality wooden pencils.
The particular challenge with this pen design was to find a mechanism that fits perfectly into the bulbous design and forms a smooth unit with the other decorative parts.
Through our network of experts, we found the right manufacturer – a small, inconspicuous family business in Japan that works both ethically and with impeccable quality.
The handcrafted pencil mechanisms therefore also meet the conceptual requirements of the customer, who attaches great importance to environmental aspects, sustainability and fairness.
One example from our practice is a joint project with the wood manufacturer e+m in Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz. The manufacturer requested a suitable pencil mechanism for one of its high-quality wooden pencils.
The particular challenge with this pen design was to find a mechanism that fits perfectly into the bulbous design and forms a smooth unit with the other decorative parts.
Through our network of experts, we found the right manufacturer – a small, inconspicuous family business in Japan that works both ethically and with impeccable quality.
The handcrafted pencil mechanisms therefore also meet the conceptual requirements of the customer, who attaches great importance to environmental aspects, sustainability and fairness.
Thanks to its ergonomic properties and ease of movement, the Move is particularly attractive for design-conscious people and those with writing difficulties.
How do pencil designers work?
Specialized designers take an interdisciplinary approach to aspects of durability, innovation and quality .
You work with customers to draw up design plans and create prototypes.
Only when the pen meets the strict requirements is it released for sale.
Thanks to its ergonomic properties and ease of movement, the Move is particularly attractive for design-conscious people and those with writing difficulties.
How do pencil designers work?
Specialized designers take an interdisciplinary approach to aspects of durability, innovation and quality .
You work with customers to draw up design plans and create prototypes.
Only when the pen meets the strict requirements is it released for sale.
Pencil theory
Characteristics of pencil leads.
Contrary to some misconceptions, a conventional pencil lead is not made of lead, but mainly of graphite and clay. In fine pencil leads, a polymer framework replaces the clay.
Greases and waxes as impregnating agents are also part of the recipe for pencil production.
Pencil theory
Characteristics of pencil leads.
Contrary to some misconceptions, a conventional pencil lead is not made of lead, but mainly of graphite and clay. In fine pencil leads, a polymer framework replaces the clay.
Greases and waxes as impregnating agents are also part of the recipe for pencil production.
Degrees of hardness and their use.
The hardness grades of pencil leads are based on different proportions of graphite in the formula, which are fired for different lengths of time.
Roughly speaking, the graphite content can be between 20 % (very soft) and 90 % (very hard).
The more graphite it contains, the darker and softer the mine becomes.
The most common hardness is probably the medium one: HB. This is often used for general writing purposes.
However, artists, technicians and other professional groups have their own preferences, as our table shows.
An overview of the hardness grades of leads.
Degrees of hardness and their use.
The hardness grades of pencil leads are based on different proportions of graphite in the formula, which are fired for different lengths of time.
Roughly speaking, the graphite content can be between 20 % (very soft) and 90 % (very hard).
The more graphite it contains, the darker and softer the mine becomes.
The most common hardness is probably the medium one: HB. This is often used for general writing purposes.
However, artists, technicians and other professional groups have their own preferences, as our table shows.
An overview of the hardness grades of leads.
The diameter of pencils as a graphic.
The different diameters of pencil leads and their use.
Not every pencil lead fits into a fine lead pencil or a clutch pencil. The diameter of a pencil lead also says a lot about its composition:
Due to their fragility, clay cannot be used as a stabilizer in very thin leads – only polymer leads are used here. The more graphite it contains, the darker and softer the lead becomes. Roughly speaking, the graphite content can be between 20 % (very soft) and 90 % (very hard).
The medium hardness, HB, is usually used for general writing purposes .
The perfect clay for pencils.
The search for the optimum clay for a pencil lead is a science in itself. This is because not every clay is suitable for use in a pencil. A clay that meets the requirements is very pure, evenly consistent, highly combustible and particularly bindable.
The diameter of pencils as a graphic.
The different diameters of pencil leads and their use.
Not every pencil lead fits into a fine lead pencil or a clutch pencil. The diameter of a pencil lead also says a lot about its composition:
Due to their fragility, clay cannot be used as a stabilizer in very thin leads – only polymer leads are used here. The more graphite it contains, the darker and softer the lead becomes. Roughly speaking, the graphite content can be between 20 % (very soft) and 90 % (very hard).
The medium hardness, HB, is usually used for general writing purposes .
The perfect clay for pencils.
The search for the optimum clay for a pencil lead is a science in itself. This is because not every clay is suitable for use in a pencil. A clay that meets the requirements is very pure, evenly consistent, highly combustible and particularly bindable.
Glossary of the individual parts of a pencil mechanism for mechanical pencils
When it comes to the design of mechanical pencils, technical terms are often used.
Push Cap
Metal pusher that sits on the lead tube. It closes the lead tube and/or protects the optional eraser.
Eraser
A soft, elastic gadget that makes graphite marks disappear.
Eraser Holder
Serves as an adapter for attaching the eraser to the lead tube.
Lead Reservoir
Container for active refill and optional replacement refills.
Spring
Triggers the feed function of the lead inside of the mechanism.
Adapter
Connecting part between chuck and lead reservoir.
Front Cone
Front part of the mechanism containing the refill guide tube and the refill brake.
Lead Brake
An internal rubber ring that controls the lead feed together with the spring and the chuck.
Chuck
Functions as a gripper for the lead
Lead Pipe
There are rigid or sliding variants in which the lead is held.
Glossary of the individual parts of a pencil mechanism for mechanical pencils
When it comes to the design of mechanical pencils, technical terms are often used.
Push Cap
Metal pusher that sits on the lead tube. It closes the lead tube and/or protects the optional eraser.
Eraser
A soft, elastic gadget that makes graphite marks disappear.
Eraser Holder
Serves as an adapter for attaching the eraser to the lead tube.
Lead Reservoir
Container for active refill and optional replacement refills.
Spring
Triggers the feed function of the lead inside of the mechanism.
Adapter
Connecting part between chuck and lead reservoir.
Front Cone
Front part of the mechanism containing the refill guide tube and the refill brake.
Lead Brake
An internal rubber ring that controls the lead feed together with the spring and the chuck.
Chuck
Functions as a gripper for the lead
Lead Pipe
There are rigid or sliding variants in which the lead is held.
Conclusion:
No two eggs are the same, and it shouldn’t be the same with pencils.
The customization options and careful design make each pencil a unique writing instrument.
As a competent partner, we are happy to assist you with our expertise to develop customized solutions for your needs.
Conclusion:
No two eggs are the same, and it shouldn’t be the same with pencils.
The customization options and careful design make each pencil a unique writing instrument.
As a competent partner, we are happy to assist you with our expertise to develop customized solutions for your needs.
Matching products from our range
Pencil mechanisms for mechanical twist pencils and mechanical push pencils
Pencil mechanisms for clutch pencils
Pencil leads (polymer)
Matching products from our range
Pencil mechanisms for mechanical twist pencils and mechanical push pencils
Pencil mechanisms for clutch pencils
