The fountain pen is an old world tool for writing. The metal nib pen is dipped into a water-based ink and with the benefit of technology, unlike the dip pen, the reservoir inside the fountain pen holds onto the ink using an internal reservoir which sucks in the ink and securely stores ink.
The feed is internalized in the nib. Two scientific forces are in action when using the modern fountain pen. Gravity and capillary action. Everyone understands gravity, but far fewer grasp the concept of capillary action. Here, it is explained. Through capillary action the paper is a natural attraction for the stored ink. The paper is magnetically pulling the liquid molecules toward it, so movement results and the ink moves to the surface of the paper.
The titanium fountain pen is the latest use of titanium coating to strengthen the finish. Titanium comes in grades. The most common titanium used in commercial applications is titanium grade 5, which is interchangeable with Ti6Al4V, Ti-6Al-4V or Ti 6-4. This grade is a common alloy, unlike pure titanium non-alloy products. Its chemical composition is 89.9% titanium, 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium and finally, .25% iron and .2% oxygen.
The most common parts of a titanium pen that is made of the actual metal are the following: cages, rods, plates, and pins. With these pieces installed the pen has the likelihood of lasting up to 20 years. Depending on the pen’s construction it could last longer. With the addition of titanium posts and implants the pin has the potential to last far longer than 20 years.
Why Make Titanium Fountain Pens? Titanium is a rare pure metallic substance. It’s by category a transition metal meaning in very scientific terms that it has “valence electrons with two shells instead of one”. Non-scientific minds gained nothing from that explanation. For the non-scientific mind, just know that this transition metal is versatile, and its properties of malleability and ductility make it useful in manufacturing of none other than the fountain pen. By adding titanium, the pen possesses greater strength, and is now resistant to corrosion caused by chlorine, concentrated nitric and hydrochloric acid, and sea water.
Titanium is super strong and except for metal dissolving acids, it will last forever. During gift giving season, this might make an excellent gift for someone who works with ink pens all day at work. Give it for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Ramadan. Never mind the occasion, just give it, the gesture will be appreciated.
No Comments