roller ball & ball point ?

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Rifleman1776

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[:I] O.K. here is one of those 'if you don't know, you don't know' questions. I frequently see references to 'roller ball' pens and 'ball point' pens. What is the difference? [?] After all a ball point is a roller ball.
 
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Fred in NC

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The ink is different.

Rollerball ink is more like fountain pen ink. The pen usually requires a cap to keep from drying, just like a fountain pen. The feel is different, more like a fountain pen.
 

DCBluesman

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There are three differeces between ballpoint and roller ball. As Fred described, the ink for rollerballs is less viscous. This can present a problem for left-handed writers as the ink stays wet a few seconds longer. The second difference is in the ball. The porous surfaces differ since they are delivering different viscosities.

What's the third difference? Marketing. Pen manufacturers have a need to try to differentiate products within their market. Pentel has used low viscosity inks in it's product line for at least 15 years, but did not give it a name until others chose to duplicate the ink and delivery system.

By the way, gel ink falls into the same category. Higher viscosity and a slight change in the ball to deliver the ink. In the 50's, all ballpoints delivered what the manufacturers are now calling "gel" ink.
 
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