Who Developed The Modern Promotional Ballpen and Biro?
Modern ballpoint pens (or Biros or Ballpens as they are sometimes known) are named after their investor – László Bíró. The essential elements of a ballpoint pen are an internal chamber filled with a viscous ink that is dispensed via nip tip through the rolling action of a small metal sphere which may be brass, steel or tungsten.
Bíró was a Hungarian newspaper editor who became frustrated with fountain pens in his office. They required filling up, caused smudged papers and the sharp metal tips could on occasion tear paper pages. Being surrounded by quick drying newspaper ink, Bíró decided to design a pen that used the same type of ink. With the help of his brother George, a chemist, he set out to design a new fountain pen nib. The final design included a tiny free running ball in its tip, inside a socket container. As the pen was moved across the paper, the ink flowed from an internal cartridge. The design saw a British patent applied for in 1938 and included a pressurised ink column and capillary action for delivery of the ink to solve flow issues.
Today’s promotional pens (promotional ballpoint pens) are a direct descendent of the original biro concept. They are mainly made from plastic and designed to be through away once all the ink has been discharged. Some are however refillable but these tend to be the more expensive types. Promotional pens tend to have either a twist-action or push-button mechanism to expose the pen nib, unlike a traditional fountain pen with a removable cap. Rollerballs are a variant of the ballpoint pen that combine the ballpoint pen design with the liquid ink and flow system of a fountain pen.
In terms of promotional gifts, ballpens are ideal. They generally offer either one or two imprint areas – their barrel only, or their barrel and pen clip. Some can also take a small cap insert into the push-button area. Promotional pens are also relatively inexpensive and therefore are ideal for clients who are dipping their first tentative toe into the world of promotional gifts or clients looking for a low-cost promotional giveaway.
The materials used for promotional pens also vary. Plastic is the principle material used for promotional pens and this can be either solid in colour or frosted. ECO environmentally friendly versions are also available. Other materials include wood and metal – especially for executive promotional pens.
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