Marker pen

Marker pen, also known as a felt-tip pen, is a pen which has its own ink-source and a tip made of porous, pressed fibers such as felt. A marker pen consists of a container (glass, aluminum, or plastic) and a core of an absorbent material. This filling serves as a carrier for the ink. The upper part of the marker contains the nib that was traditionally made from felt material, but modern markers are fitted with nibs made from nylon or other materials. The ink used in marker pens is generally non-refusable and can vary in colors, formulations, and viscosities.

History

The first patent for a felt-tip marker was filed in 1910 by Lee Newman. The modern form of the marker pen was invented by Sidney Rosenthal in 1953. Rosenthal's design consisted of a glass tube filled with ink and a felt wick. In 1962, the Japanese firm Pentel launched the first disposable fiber-tip pen, marking a new era for the marker pen industry.

Types

Marker pens can be classified based on their use, the type of ink they use, and the permanence of the ink.

Permanent Markers

Permanent markers contain inks that are resistant to water and fading, but not always to solvents. These markers are used for writing on surfaces such as glass, plastic, metal, and stone.

Non-Permanent Markers

Non-permanent markers, also known as washable markers, have inks that can be easily removed from non-porous surfaces with water. These are often used by children for drawing and coloring.

Specialty Markers

Specialty markers include a wide range of products designed for specific applications, such as fabric markers, paint markers, and security markers that write in inks visible only under certain conditions.

Ink Composition

The ink in a marker pen can be alcohol-based, water-based, or solvent-based. The choice of solvent affects the drying time, odor, and permanence of the ink.

Alcohol-Based Inks

Alcohol-based inks dry quickly and are resistant to water after drying. They are commonly used in permanent markers.

Water-Based Inks

Water-based inks are less toxic and have minimal odor. They are commonly found in non-permanent and children's markers.

Solvent-Based Inks

Solvent-based inks are used in industrial markers due to their ability to adhere to surfaces such as metal and plastic.

Health and Safety

Markers containing solvent-based inks can be hazardous due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they emit. It is recommended to use these markers in well-ventilated areas. Water-based markers are generally considered safer for use by children.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of marker pens, particularly disposable ones, is significant due to the difficulty of recycling their components. Efforts are being made to develop more sustainable options, including refillable markers and those made from recycled materials.

See Also

• Writing implement
• Ink
• Pen

References

Marker pen Resources
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