How the ballpoint pen is made (the blue pen) #Boravê

Summary

This video provides a detailed, step-by-step look at how a ballpoint pen is made, from the production of the plastic pen body and cap to the creation of the nib and ink filling. It highlights the importance of materials like polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene, as well as the precise machinery that ensures each component fits together perfectly. The process involves mixing, heating, and molding, with attention to safety features like child-proof caps. The script also emphasizes innovation in recycling, quality control, and the secret formulation of the ink, offering an engaging glimpse into industrial manufacturing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The pen body is made from transparent polystyrene plastic, which is heated and injected into molds to form the pen shape.
• 😀 The injection molding process is highly precise, allowing for accurate shaping of the pen body and creating features like a small hole to prevent a vacuum inside the pen.
• 😀 The pen body has a hexagonal shape to prevent it from rolling off surfaces, such as desks or tables.
• 😀 The mold for the pen body includes 32 small holes, and cooling is achieved quickly with cold water to solidify the shape in 12 seconds.
• 😀 Polypropylene is used for the pen cap, which is more flexible and opaque than the pen body, and has a safety hole for child protection in case the cap is swallowed.
• 😀 The process for making colored pens is similar to regular pens, but it involves adding colorant to the plastic during the injection process.
• 😀 The pen nib holder is made from metal and created in high-volume machines, capable of producing over a million pieces daily.
• 😀 The pen's ink is imported and stored in large barrels, designed to dry quickly and remain durable without fading over time.
• 😀 A centrifuge is used to remove air bubbles from the ink, ensuring smooth ink flow and preventing leakage.
• 😀 The pen tip is made of brass and features a tungsten carbide ball that allows ink to flow onto paper as the ball spins, ensuring smooth writing.
• 😀 Final pen assembly involves fitting the body, cap, nib, and ink tube together, after which the completed pen is tested to ensure it can write over a mile.

Q & A

What is the primary material used to make the pen body?

The pen body is made from polystyrene, a plastic that is often transparent and comes in pellet form.

How are the plastic pellets transported to the factory's injection machine?

The plastic pellets are moved by a vacuum system through a pipe into the factory's injection machine.

At what temperature is the plastic heated during the manufacturing process?

The plastic is heated to 210 degrees Celsius, which is similar to the temperature used in 3D printers.

Why is the mold considered the heart of the pen manufacturing process?

The mold is crucial because it gives the pen body its shape and features, and it also ensures that the plastic cools quickly to form the desired structure.

What is the purpose of the small hole on the pen body?

The small hole on the pen body prevents a partial vacuum from being created inside the pen, allowing the ink to flow properly.

Why is the pen body designed in a hexagonal shape?

The hexagonal shape is designed to prevent the pen from rolling off tables, making it more stable when placed flat.

What plastic is used for the pen cap, and why?

The pen cap is made from polypropylene, which is more opaque and flexible. This allows the cap to fit securely on the pen body.

What is the purpose of the hole in the pen cap?

The hole in the pen cap is a safety feature, allowing air to pass through in case a child swallows the cap, preventing suffocation.

How does the ink flow in the ballpoint pen, and what materials are involved in the tip?

The ink flows through the tip via a brass holder with a tungsten carbide ball. The ball rotates as the pen touches paper, picking up ink and transferring it onto the paper.

How is the air bubble issue in the ink tube addressed during manufacturing?

To remove air bubbles from the ink tube, the ink is placed in a centrifuge, which expels the air, ensuring the ink is compacted and preventing leaks.