Within the tip of a ballpoint pen, there is a very small ball, and the tip of this ball is called the nib. The nib of a ballpoint pen is mainly divided into three types. So, based on the different shapes, what differences are there among different types of ballpen?
"Corn-tip" Type
The "corn-tip" type is also referred to as the "cone-shaped chip." "Cone" means conical in shape, as the name suggests, the tip is shaped like a triangular cone.
This might be the most familiar shape as it is used in the most common ballpoint pens. The "corn-tip" type was also used in the 1960s when practical ballpoint pens started to become popular in Japan. By cutting a rod-shaped metal piece and forming it into a cone, you can see the ball firmly fixed on thick metal.
"Tube-tip" Type
The "tube-tip" is a slender, tubular metal tip with a ball inside it. By forming a dent at the tip of the cylindrical metal, a protrusion is created to hold the ball within the tube, then the ball is inserted and sealed in place.
This nib is used in ultra-fine ballpoint pens, which became popular in the 1990s when the demand for writing finer letters increased. Since then, it has continued to be favored by those who prefer delicate writing.
"Synergy-tip" Type
The "synergy-tip" looks like a conical chip, but if you magnify it and observe closely, you'll notice that the tip is as thin as a tube-tip with a slight taper, spreading into a conical shape.
In fact, this "synergy-tip" is a chip born from a completely new concept, combining the advantages of both the corn-tip and the tube-tip. It is made through a special manufacturing process different from both the cone and the tube, offering a durable and versatile nib capable of handling fine writing.
In summary, you can understand the shape differences between "conical chips," "tube chips," and "synergy chips," but the characteristics of the chips also vary based on their structure.
The "corn-tip" is durable and can withstand strong pen pressure, making it suitable for stable writing. In addition, the "tube-tip" has low friction resistance, making it suitable for fine writing, allowing for smooth and soft writing, often used in color pens with water-based gel ink. The tube-tip is so fine that it can even write delicate letters on a grain of rice. As the name suggests, the "synergy-chip" combines the benefits of these two types and has many advantages due to its synergistic effect.
