Question

Which material is commonly used to manufacture pens?

Answer 1

An attempt to this question can be made by identifying the properties of the material used for making pens. The requirements for the material to make a pen has to be noted down. Based on that you can determine the type of material that is suitable for the given properties and requirements.

Complete Solution:
We will try to understand what a pen is as suggested in the hint.
- A pen is considered as a common writing instrument used for applying ink to a surface for the purpose of either drawing or writing. The most common surface to use a pen is paper.
- Previously a nib dipped in ink was used as a pen. They were commonly known as reed pens, quill pens and dip pens.
- However, the pen we use today is made from a material called plastic. Plastic serves as one of the important raw materials for the manufacture of pens.
- Out of the various plastic types, the one used in the manufacture of pens is thermosetting plastics. These plastics remain permanently hard after their formation and cooled to give shape.

Note: The fountain pens that once existed, are still present and also used widely (although they are not as common as the ballpoint pens). Their technology has also advanced and now they are more comfortable to use. They are smoother and carry a limited supply of ink. The fountain pens often project a sense of superior quality.