A fountain pen works by using a nib to deliver ink from an internal reservoir to the paper via capillary action and gravity.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Ink Reservoir:
- Fountain pens have an internal reservoir that stores the ink. This reservoir can be filled in several ways, including:
- Cartridges: Pre-filled, disposable plastic tubes.
- Converters: Refillable devices that draw ink from a bottle.
- Piston Fillers: Utilize a piston mechanism to draw ink directly into the pen barrel.
- Eyedropper Fillers: The barrel itself serves as the reservoir, filled directly with an eyedropper (common in older and some modern pens).
2. The Feed:
- The feed is a crucial component, usually made of plastic or ebonite, that sits directly beneath the nib. It performs several essential functions:
- Ink Delivery: Channels ink from the reservoir to the nib.
- Air Regulation: Allows air to enter the reservoir as ink is used, maintaining pressure equilibrium and ensuring a consistent ink flow. Without proper air regulation, the pen would either "burp" (release too much ink at once) or stop writing altogether.
- Prevents Leaking: Helps control ink flow to prevent excessive leakage when the pen is not in use.
3. The Nib:
- The nib is the metal writing point of the pen, usually made of stainless steel or gold.
- It has a slit running from its tip back towards the feed.
- The nib works through a combination of gravity and capillary action:
- Gravity: Helps draw the ink downwards from the reservoir.
- Capillary Action: The slit in the nib creates a narrow space, allowing ink to flow along the slit and onto the paper due to surface tension. When the nib touches the paper, the ink is drawn out by the paper's fibers.
4. Writing Process:
- When the nib makes contact with paper, the ink flows down the feed, along the slit in the nib, and onto the paper.
- The amount of pressure applied, the angle of the pen, and the type of paper all influence the ink flow and the resulting line width.
In summary, a fountain pen relies on a carefully engineered system of ink storage, delivery, and flow regulation to provide a smooth and consistent writing experience without the need for repeated dipping in an inkwell.
