
Hi, I'm Su, the author of this post. I founded Interwell Stationery and have served over 1000+ clients since 2003. Feel free to contact us for custom stationery supplies, manufacturing support, and the latest trends in the industry.
Whether a young student is producing their first short story in a classroom or an architect is sketching their final draft of an industrial blueprint, the tasks couldn't be accomplished without the help of a simple yet reliable writing tool: the pencil.
The simple function of the tool has probably never made you realize the meticulous work that goes into the production process. So let's discover how a pencil goes from a natural resource to a classic writing instrument.
Pencils come in a range of sizes, colors, and lead types. Compared to other writing tools, pencils are the best selection regarding the environment and when it comes to mindful consumption due to their main components: graphite and wood. These two natural resources can be easily recycled when separated from their non-biodegradable additions.
The wooden casing of a pencil is usually made from cedar or other softwoods. The wood is cut into thin panels and shaped into a cylindrical form.
The lead of a pencil is composed of graphite and clay, both natural-occurring and malleable minerals. The graphite is mixed with clay to make it stronger and more durable.
Pencils are often painted with a thin layer of lacquer to protect the wood and provide a smooth and comfortable surface when writing.
Pencils often have a metal ferrule, a cap that holds the rubber eraser in place. The ferrule is composed of a lightweight, silvery metal called aluminum.
The eraser at the top tip of a pencil is rubber, designed to remove graphite marks without damaging paper.
Although the materials used to make a pencil may seem simplistic, much attention to detail is put behind the process to create a well-functioning product.