Different Types Of Fountain Pens With Extra Tips To Fill Them

The fountain pen can be called a groundbreaking pen. Admittedly, these are many popular items in demand around the world for their extraordinary quality. In a general sense, the fountain pen is a written pen with a reservoir cartridge from which the ink flows uninterruptedly.

Moreover, the pen is operated through a metal nib from which ink is emitted. Also, the ink of the pen is used for the frequent flow of the internal reservoirs. In this article, we do a deep dive into different types of fountain pens, their structure, filling systems & many more.

Furthermore, a variant pen from the previous dip pens and this working process is entirely different from the others.

Chiefly, the fountain pen adopts the gravitational and capillary process to deliver the feed nib ink from the reservoir. Similarly, the reservoir is filled with ink through an eyedropper or syringe. Finally, all of the ink is deposited on the paper.

Since writing is produced through the pen, so it’s necessary to be sufficiently aware of the quality of a pen.

Besides, no limits to writing, but it can be done through other means. Such as drawing, painting, and technical arts. Similarly, writing tools are good if they are smooth and efficient.

History Of Fountain Pen

The fountain pen was invented for the evolution of time, which has overcome a variety of obstacles. This can be seen in always some history behind every invention, namely the fountain pen.

Long ago, when people first introduced writing, they used a special pen which was a dip pen. To write, thin sticks or feathers were used.

Subsequently, the Caliph of the Maghrib region of North-West Africa, Ma’ād al-Mu’izz, wanted a pen to hold the ink upside-down. Likewise, without any spilling. Also, he can quickly write to keep his hand clean.

Next, In the 17th century, Daniel Schwenter was the German inventor the first to invent an internal reservoir pen with two quills. In this case, one quill held the ink, and the other was closed with a cork. Then, the ink would come out of the nib through a small hole in the ink reservoir.

Afterwards, The Romanian inventor Petrache Poenaru was the first to invent the fountain pen. That was a barrel made of a giant swan quill, for which he received the first payment from the French government on May 20, 1827.

In the long run, Azel Storrs Lyman received a patent for a fountain pen, a method of supplying ink to the pen from the reservoir of the handle in 1884, US.

Three inventions were necessary to be popular with everyone, such as iridium-tipped gold nib, free-flowing ink, and hard rubber. In the early 20th century, the first self-filling fountain pen was invented. Additionally, it was the crescent filler pen and twist-filler.

Structure Of Fountain Pen

The fountain pen is an unimaginable invention of history. We all know about its features and structure are entirely different from others. Also, we can’t imagine the effectiveness of a more straightforward fountain pen.

The anatomy of a fountain pen is divided into six parts, and these parts are different and specially named. Correspondingly, the speciality of the fountain pen is completely different, so the names of the elements of its structure are firm.

Fountain Pen Cap

The necessary part of the fountain pen is the cap that protects from the nib and spread the ink. Indeed, every pen must have a cap. Also, the structure of the cap plays an essential role in carrying the beauty of a pen.

The next part is the clip which is generally made of metal that is attached to the cap. Primarily, using to keep to stay on the table and from falling to the ground. Helps to hold it in the pocket of the shirt or with the pages of the diary.

Next, the finial is placed at the top of a cap and is made of the primary material. Usually, to make for aesthetic purposes in different colors and sizes. Identically, it carries the distinctive identity of the pen that contains the company logo.

Insert is a small plastic hole inside the pen’s cap that seals the nib to protect and keep it wet when covered.

The last part is the pen’s center band which is made of metal like a ring. The sole purpose is to enhance the beauty of the pen. Moreover, placed on the bottom of the cap so that it is firmly attached.

The Barrel

Assembles the main components and acts as its protector. Including which keeps the reservoir of ink bound in a long part.

Next, threads are specially designed to hold the cut parts together with the thin grooves in this case, essential to hold the barrel step part to lift the whole body of the pen. Even a trim ring is made for esthetic purposes only.

Nib

Not just the fountain pen, for each pen, the nib plays a vital role whose metal tip can reach from the internal reservoir of the pen to the ink paper. At the end of the nib, tipping metal is hardly coated by an iridium alloy. The slit is a narrow breathing hole in the nib.

The next part of the nib is the tines in front of which there are two parts taper and tip, and the shoulder of the nib is a wide part where the taper starts from the tip.

Moreover, a volt hole is also a tiny part of the nib. It’s usually a hole that expands the air. As well as, helps the ink flow and has branded imprint or engraving on the body and its model size. The base is fixed at the opposite end of the tip or bottom of the nib.

Feed

The feed is the back of the nib that helps the pen reach from the reservoir to the ink. A piece of plastic or black ebonite has been covered. However, the longest part of the feed is the wings that attach to the nib shoulder to the feed. Similarly, the nib slide and occupy the feed wings.

Next, fins of the feed the work to fill the pen’s ink through the air channel. Also, very controlling the continuous flow of ink and helping to change the direction of the writing path.

Even the ink channel provides the capillary process for the required ink flow through. Thus, around the back of the nib, a thin slit is wrapped. The post is the part where the ink is fed of the feed.

The section

Trim ring is the part where the barrel is attached. In addition, the grip is the part that helps to hold the attached and fits the nib. One other thing, the front part is called a single section.

As mentioned earlier, rings are usually made for esthetic purposes and to enhance the decoration, which is a kind of attraction.

Threads cut the pen and put the thin grooves together. Although these are small scale, their work is significant. A whole fountain pen is formed in all these participatory combinations.

Converter

The converter got the cartridge by adjusting it with a pen, and it has a small filling mechanism. Unquestionably, which is generally screw-piston type.

Moreover, it has no restrictions and no need to rely on any proprietary cartridge. Use any brand of bottled ink. Inside the pen is a reservoir to hold the ink. The seal is a functional part of the converter piston.

So then, it creates a vacuum for drawing ink into the reservoir. Also, an open mouth at the top to hold the converter and a rod that can be moved up and down the seal when the threaded part of the piston mechanism is bent.

Use a free-fitting shroud to post the piston mechanism behind the ink reservoir and knob piston seal to the converter.

Types Of Fountain Pen Filling Mechanism

Our daily companion is the pen capable of changing an entire nation, showing how important the pen is for us. The power of a pen is greater than the edge of a weapon.

Therefore, the quality of a pen must be excellent, and the only alternatives are a fountain pen that embodies all the features.

Almost all of us know that fountain pens are completely different from the rest of the pens from the beginning and their functionality is different.

Similarly, fountain pens usually have different types of filling systems, each with some advantages and disadvantages.

So, anyone can easily be confused that which filling system is suitable for his fountain pen. Let’s start with the description of the fountain pen filling method below.

1. Cartridge Fountain pen

When it comes to using something, we always prefer to choose a very readily available and convenient method despite having other means.

Similarly, the cartridge method is the best way to fill the fountain pen ink. In this method, a disposable capsule is filled with ink.

The feed is attached to the pen through the ink is supplied. It’ll puncture inside the fountain pen so that the ink can flow into the pen without interruption.

Since we know that gravitational force is essential for drawing with ink, this cartridge method is used in the capillary process.

In addition, it takes a bit of time to insert for flowing into the pen. When it is completed, and makes the pen usable.

Advantages Of Cartridge Fountain pen:

Own ink or cartridge can be used and mess-free.
Since it comes in prefabricated or disposable cartridges, so it’s easy to carry.
Even it is possible to fill the ink quickly without any hassle.
Considering the price, it is available at a standard price.
Its structure is designed with great simplicity, which is in harmony with the body of the fountain pen.

Disadvantages Of Cartridge Fountain pen:

A small number of colored inks are available in the market.
It comes in limited to specific brands (Pilot, Cross, Sailor, Platinum, and some others) only that prescribed ink can be used for the fountain pen.
Ink holding capacity is lower than others.

2. Eyedropper Fountain Pen

The use or choice of any professional person is always different taste than others. That’s because their choice depends on the usage and benefits.

In the same way, professional fountain pen users are more interested in the eyedropper filling process. The ink is filled into a barrel pen by using special syringes or pipettes.

Initially, the fountain pens used the cartridge method, but later it was designed as an eyedropper pen due to its low ink capacity.

The rule of thumb is first to open the fountain pen barrel and ensure a waterproof seal with silicone grease. The pen can be used to attach the old one by filling the ink up to the thread of the grip section.

Advantages Of Eyedropper Fountain Pen:

A large amount of ink can be filled and stored for writing, and there are no wastages.
The eyedropper fountain pen is not limited to any brand, and it can use all kinds of ink.
Other pens can also be converted to the eyedropper filling method.

Disadvantages Of Eyedropper Fountain Pen:

Separate eyedroppers or syringes, as well as extra help, are needed to fill the ink.
With this method, pores like O-rings or silicon grease are more likely to get bigger.
More ink inside the pen, the position of the individual components in the whole barrel.
It’s not easily portable as it contains a combination of bottled ink and other equipment.

3. Piston Fountain Pen

When it discusses a simple filling system, the first thing that comes to mind is the piston filter. Basically, it’s a converter that prefers lower edge and mid-range cartridges—for example, sealed on the front of the cylinder that looks like a piston and is used in the same way.

The method of use is to first push the piston towards the front nib of the pen, and most of it will be at the end of the barrel. Including the speed of breathing will remain active until the ink is immersed in the bottle.

The piston must be moved backwards using the girder. So that, the ink can be removed later and the excess ink is cleaned to make it usable.

Advantages Of Piston Fountain Pen:

The most convenient when it comes to usages.
After separating the ink from the nib, it’s cleaned without hassle.
May be easily repaired without any third-party intervention.
The ink holding capacity is quite good compared to another filling process.
There are no restrictions on the use of ink, and you can use any ink on a piston fountain pen.

Disadvantages Of Piston Fountain Pen:

Constantly increasing its value than others which can the considered as expensive.
There is a significant problem with low volume as well as the wear of gaskets out.

4. Crescent Fountain Pen

We know of several methods, but one of them is the crescent fountain pen. To begin with inside the pen through a small bladder. In time, the ink filling process is a little different from the others.

First, the crescent has to be aligned with the arch to twist the locking process. Next, hold it until the breathing hole is completely covered. The method may have to be repeated till the nib is inserted into the pen. Then, it’s necessary to clean the excess ink.

Advantages Of Crescent Pen:

Allows the use of any bottled ink.
The nib of the crescent pen is exceptionally narrow and smooth, which is suitable for writing.
The bladder can hold a perfect amount of ink.
Excess ink can be easily cleaned.

Disadvantages Of Crescent Pen:

To face some problems when is processed of ink.
During use, it’s pretty challenging to determine the level of ink.
A shortage of limited edition models.

5. Vacuum Fountain

The vacuum filling method did not achieve much popularity. Even though, made up of the most sought-after tools in history. But this pen works a great process.

To be sure, it puts pressure on the back of a plan by pushing a wide spot in the cylinder. Additionally, that place sucks all the liquids and gaseous substances. As well as, the filling method of this required the best tolerant pen.

Advantages Of Vacuum Pen:

The vacuum method can store more ink than the cartridge or converter filling method.
Easily adjust inside the barrel of the pen.
The ink filling procedure can be done quickly.

Disadvantages Of Vacuum Pen:

Do not allow to use other than bottled ink.
Its models are comparatively more expensive than converters or cartridges.

6. Converter Fountain Pen

The converter filling pen usually attaches to the ink pen via a small piston. Mainly, an isolated actuator that helps hold the ink.

In the first place, make sure the converter is connected to the pen. Also, take the fountain pen and put the bottle in the breathing hole. Just in the same, the process has to be repeated to fill the ink. Lastly, removing the ink from the nib will complete the process and make it usual.

Advantages Of Converter Fountain Pen:

No brand restrictions. Also, allow the supply of different colored ink.
The desired bottled ink can be applied.
Have several advantages to using it.

Disadvantages Of Converter Fountain Pen:

Hold half the capacity of cartridge or eyedropper inks.
Since bottle ink is used in it, there may be problems in carrying.
Ink can quickly spread due to carelessness.

Frequently asked questions

Here we will briefly discuss some relevant questions to get a clear idea about fountain pens.

#1. Why is a fountain pen expensive?

Made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, so fountain pens are more expensive than others.

And these pens range in price from twenty dollars to more than thousands of dollars even though fountain pens are coated with very precious metals according to the customer’s demand.

#2. Is a fountain pen good for everyday use?

Some highly luxurious or amateur people prefer fountain pens for everyday use.
Whether you use it every day depends on how much you are writing. Moreover, depends on which pen you are using the most in your daily life.

However, there are many pens in the market as an alternative to fountain pens that you can try if you want.

#3. How long does a fountain pen ink last?

According to expert observations, most fountain pen inks have a shelf life of 10 to 60 years.

Bottled inks are helpful for long periods even after opening if carefully used. Also, the lifespan of the ink depends on the brand’s good quality produced.

#4. Which is the best fountain filling system?

The primary function of all fountain pen systems is to supply ink. Some people are interested in using cartridge converter pens, while some are more comfortable with piston and eyedropper methods.

But each of them also has some disadvantages which can be considered as an alternative to each other. It depends on the person who will come forward to take advantage to overcome the difficulties.

Conclusion

The above section discusses different types of fountain pens which help you to choose the right one.

Only fountain pen binds analog and digital to the same thread of innovation. Even after a long term, the fountain pen is still considered to be a pen of everyone’s dream.

Once you find the fountain pen of your choice, you will surely fall in love with it. You can’t imagine the impossible satisfaction of writing in a diary with a standard fountain pen with a cup of tea early in the morning. A good fountain pen reflects a person’s fancy choice.