RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Point Size

Write Out

Lay Down

Dry Time

Viscosity

Point Size – Do you want a fine line, thick line or something in between? This is determined by the “point size,” which refers to the diameter of the nib, or tip, of a pen. The sizes are listed in millimeters, and the lower the number, the finer the line. For example: 0.5mm is somewhat fine, 0.7mm is the most commonly used, and 1.6mm is quite bold.

Write Out – This is just another way of saying capacity, or life expectancy, of the pen and indicates how long can you write with a particular pen before the ink cartridge runs out.

Lay Down – Describes how much ink flows out and is applied to the writing surface when writing. As you might guess, the bolder the line (higher point size), the greater the amount of ink is laid down.

Dry Time – Just what you think: the amount of time it takes for ink to dry on the writing surface. Pens that lay down a lot of ink (see above) take longer to dry. Other factors that lengthen Dry Time are: the type paper used, the amount of pressure applied by the pen user, and type of ink. Metallic inks tend to dry more slowly. Most people want ink that dries pretty fast.

Viscosity – If you remember your science class, you know that fluid viscosity refers more or less to the thickness of a fluid, and in pens, it refers to how easily and smoothly the ink flows from the pen. You want a low viscosity ink to get the smoothest writing experience.

OIL-BASED INK

Found in ballpoint pens, oil based ink doesn’t smudge, lasts longer, and is a good value. It’s ideal for everyday, heavy usage. If you are writing all day long, this is the pen for you.

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STEEL F-301

WATER-BASED INK (GEL)

So smooth! No skipping and available in bold, highly pigmented colors, this water-based gel flows freely. Fun to write with, gel pens let you express yourself with confidence.

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SARASA Grand

RAPID DRY INK

Hate smudges? With our breakthrough Rapid Dry Ink technology, ink dries in just a second on most surfaces, so it’s a favorite of left handers. Super smooth and available in many vibrant colors, it is perfect for creative art projects or everyday use.

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STEEL G-750

CHECK-SAFE INK

Peace of mind. Our acid free, archival quality check-safe ink cannot be “washed” off, which means you don’t have to worry about check fraud. Also ideal for artistic creations and journal writing.

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SARASA Clip

NEW ADVANCEMENT IN INK TECHNOLOGY

There are many products in the market touting quick drying ink capabilities. The investment into an ink that dries quickly was made to aid left-hand writers, those who use pens for creative purposes, and anyone who wishes to eliminate smearing and smudging of their penned creations.

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SARASA WINS COLOR VIBRANCY TEST

A third party lab testing compared color vibrancy of Sarasa RDI to that of other leading gel brands. The results are in and Sarasa is the clear winner.

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WHAT IS VISCOSITY?

Viscosity is a measure of a liquid’s ability to resist flow. A thick liquid that does not flow easily has high-viscosity; a thin liquid that readily flows has low-viscosity. Low viscosity inks are generally found in rollerball or gel pens, where as a high viscosity oil-based ink is generally found in ballpoint style pens where dry time is more critical than smoothness.

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HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CHECK FRAUD?

How Can You Prevent Check Fraud? Use Orbitz Gel Pens! Mail snatchers use a process called check washing to erase the ink on a check using common household chemicals

LEARN MORE >

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Point Size

Write Out

Lay Down

Dry Time

Viscosity

Write Out – This is just another way of saying capacity, or life expectancy, of the pen and indicates how long can you write with a particular pen before the ink cartridge runs out.

Lay Down – Describes how much ink flows out and is applied to the writing surface when writing. As you might guess, the bolder the line (higher point size), the greater the amount of ink is laid down.

Viscosity – If you remember your science class, you know that fluid viscosity refers more or less to the thickness of a fluid, and in pens, it refers to how easily and smoothly the ink flows from the pen. You want a low viscosity ink to get the smoothest writing experience.

OIL-BASED INK

WATER-BASED INK (GEL)

RAPID DRY INK

CHECK-SAFE INK

NEW ADVANCEMENT IN INK TECHNOLOGY

SARASA WINS COLOR VIBRANCY TEST

WHAT IS VISCOSITY?

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT CHECK FRAUD?

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