PRODUCT INSIGHTS
August 5, 2021
A very useful erasable ballpoint pen. But how does the color get erased?
Ballpoint pens have been considered permanent writing instruments, different from pencils that can be erased with an eraser. PILOT’s FRIXION, which was launched in 2006, became a worldwide hit as an unprecedented erasable ballpoint pen.
So then, how does this pen ink erase? The secret lies in the strange triangular relationship within the special FRIXION ink used in the FRIXION series.
The special microcapsules within the ink carry the elements of the ink’s color. If we look inside these microcapsules, there are three components (the color source, the color-developing component, and the erasing component). These three components are the key to FRIXION ink’s ability to be erased. To help explain how this works, we have invited cute little animals to come and show us how the ink color can be erased.
The three components inside the microcapsules change their grouping depending on temperature.
When writing on paper, the Color Source (A) and the Color-Developing Component (B) hold hands, and we can see the color. At this point, the Erasing Compound (C) is asleep.
But when you rub the ink with the special rubber and the temperature rises above 60°C, the Erasing Compound (C) wakes up. Then it holds hands with the Color-Developing Component (B), leaving the Color Source (A) all alone… The Color Source (A) cannot produce color without the Color-Developing Component (B), so the ink becomes invisible.
Did you know that erased ink can return to its original color under certain conditions?
When the temperature drops below -10℃, the combination of the three components changes, and the erased ink begins to reappear, fully returning at around -20℃. Even if you bring the ink back to room temperature, the color will remain. We rarely use pen and paper in such cold environments in everyday life, but it’s a fascinating phenomenon. Also, when friction raises the temperature above 60℃, the color disappears again, allowing you to write over it once more. The ability to repeatedly write and erase is what makes FRIXION ink so remarkable.
The FRIXION series includes not only ballpoint pens but also markers, stamps, and many other products. Enjoy the erasable FRIXION series in all kinds of settings, from studying and business to art.
Product Information 〉〉〉FRIXION Series
Warning: Do not use FRIXION products on official documents or for addressees. Avoid placing them in high-temperature environments, as the ink will become colorless above 60°C. The ink may not erase properly on thermal or other specialty papers depending on paper characteristics.
FRIXION is registered trademarks of PILOT Corporation.
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