Ink Technology The engine that Drives our products
All BIC® inks are assessed according to European regulations 1999/45/EC by an independent expert and undergo a toxicological review in the US by the Duke University Medical Center under the WIMA (Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association) or ACMI (Art and Creative Materials Institute, Inc.) certification programs. The Duke review considers both the acute health effects (from skin contact, ingestion and inhalation) and the chronic health effects of the inks. Our ink cartridges are analyzed for up to three years to test shelf life and write-out times. To ensure quality and performance, all cartridges are date stamped. For most BIC® writing instruments, we have full in-house cartridge manufacturing which includes four controls per day – viscosity, pH, humidity rate and writing quality. Components of our cartridges are produced by the highest quality cartridge manufacturers from all over the world. Points are stainless steel, brass or nickel silver. Balls are tungsten carbide, which contributes to consistent writing. Many of our items are refillable, which gives you the ability to use over and over again.
BIc® Easy-Glide InkTM: This exclusive ink technology offers 35% smoother and bolder ink than our current ballpoint. It writes with fluid lines and no smearing! It writes with fluid lines and no smearing! Available in selected BIC® writing instruments. BIC® Round Stic® pens include a clear cartridge tube and natural support. All other items include a white cartridge tube and nickel silver point.
G®
Gel: offers smooth, fluid writing. Gel options available on select BIC® writing instruments M (Medium)
F (Fine)
Ballpen: The most popular writing instrument ink system. Available in fine point on select items. ®
r
Roller: similar in construction to a ballpoint but uses a smoother ball and more fluid ink. FS
Finestyle: Felt tip roller pen. FP
Fountain Pen: contains an internal reservoir of water based liquid ink. Available on select Sheaffer® products. HL
Highlighter: Our highlighter inks are water-based, and chisel tips allow for broad-line or fine-line underlining. MK
Marker: Our permanent marking products include acid-free* ink. WRITING INSTRUMENTS
p
Pencil: Includes #2 graphite lead. MP
Mechanical Pencil: Available in 0.7 mm leads. Includes #2 graphite lead that advances quickly and easily. Select products include three 0.7 mm leads which provides write-out equivalent to 2 1/2 wood case pencils.
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*No added acid or measurable p.H.