Pen Glossary

Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoint pens are the most popular writing instrument. Ballpoint pens use thick paste ink and have a more controlled feel. Ballpoint ink has greater densities than that of water based ink, giving it a longer writing life. Most ballpoint pens do not have caps, but use twist or push mechanisms.


Built-in Piston
Built-in piston is a device, which is installed into a fountain pen to draw ink. Generally, fountain pens with built-in pistons do not take cartridges.


Cartridges
Cartridges generally plug into the pen at the back of the nib section. Cartridges work just like a ballpoint or roller ball refills except it does not replace the point of the pen, just the ink reservoir.


Converter
Converter is a removable device, which allows a fountain pen to draw ink. Converters are usually the same shape as the cartridge and plug into the pen in place of the cartridge. Generally, fountain pens using converters can also take cartridges.

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