Editing Ballpoint pen (section)

==Manufacturing==
[[File:Ink holder of a ballpen.jpg|thumb|300px|The ink holder of a disposable ballpoint pen.]]
Although designs and construction vary between brands, basic components of all ballpoint pens are universal.<ref name="bpp encyc"/> Standard components include the freely rotating ''ball point'' itself (distributing the ink), a ''socket'' holding the ball in place, and a self-contained ''ink reservoir'' supplying ink to the ball.<ref name="How ballpoints work"/> In modern disposable pens, narrow plastic tubes contain the ink, which is compelled downward to the ball by gravity.<ref name="How ballpoints work"/> Brass, steel, or tungsten carbide are used to manufacture the ball bearing-like points,<ref name="How ballpoints work"/> then housed in a brass socket.<ref name="Incredible Pen"/>

The function of these components can be compared with the ball-applicator of roll-on antiperspirant; the same technology at a larger scale. The ball point delivers the ink to the writing surface while acting as a ''buffer'' between the ink in the reservoir and the air outside, preventing the quick-drying ink from drying inside the reservoir. Modern ballpoints are said to have a two-year shelf life, on average.<ref name="How ballpoints work"/>

The common ballpoint pen is a product of [[mass production]], with components produced separately on assembly lines.<ref name="Incredible Pen"/> Basic steps in the manufacturing process include production of ink formulas, moulding of metal and plastic components, and assembly.<ref name="bpp encyc"/> [[Marcel Bich]] was involved in developing the production of inexpensive ballpoint pens.<ref name="How ballpoints work"/>

===Standards===
The [[International Organization for Standardization]] has published standards for ball point and roller ball pens:

; ISO 12756:1998: Drawing and writing instruments – Ball point pens – Vocabulary<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=27200&ICS1=1&ICS2=100&ICS3=40 |title=ISO 12756:1998 – Drawing and writing instruments – Ball point pens and roller ball pens – Vocabulary |publisher=Iso.org |date=12 June 2009 |accessdate=11 September 2010}}</ref>
; ISO 12757-1:1998: Ball point pens and refills – Part 1: General use<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=1129&ICS1=97&ICS2=180&ICS3= |title=ISO 12757-1:1998 – Ball point pens and refills – Part 1: General use |publisher=Iso.org |date=12 June 2009 |accessdate=11 September 2010}}</ref>
; ISO 12757-2:1998: Ball point pens and refills – Part 2: Documentary use (DOC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=23718&ICS1=1&ICS2=100&ICS3=40 |title=ISO 12757-2:1998 – Ball point pens and refills – Part 2: Documentary use (DOC) |publisher=Iso.org |date=12 June 2009 |accessdate=11 September 2010}}</ref>
; ISO 14145-1:1998: Roller ball pens and refills – Part 1: General use<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=23719&ICS1=97&ICS2=180&ICS3= |title=ISO 14145-1:1998 – Roller ball pens and refills – Part 1: General use |publisher=Iso.org |date=12 June 2009 |accessdate=11 September 2010}}</ref>
; ISO 14145-2:1998: Roller ball pens and refills – Part 2: Documentary use (DOC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=23720&ICS1=1&ICS2=100&ICS3=40 |title=ISO 14145-2:1998 – Roller ball pens and refills – Part 2: Documentary use (DOC) |publisher=Iso.org |date=12 June 2009 |accessdate=11 September 2010}}</ref>