| Despite its somewhat high-class sounding name, "felt | | | | ink contains a photosensitive agent (e.g. silver nitrate) |
| tip" is a term that encompasses a number of | | | | and leaves a stain that lasts for several days. |
| household writing instruments. Many promotional pens | | | | Security markers contain an invisible fluorescent ink |
| that we use on a day-to-day basis are felt tips and, | | | | that is only detectible under ultraviolet light. These |
| like most pens, they tell a unique and interesting | | | | specialised pens are used for marking valuables in the |
| story. | | | | event of burglary. |
| The felt-tip pen - or "marker" as it is commonly | | | | Like all promotional pens, marker manufacturing |
| known - was first developed by Sidney Rosenthal in | | | | involves a number of stages and all printed felt tips |
| 1952. Rosenthal's invention consisted of a squatty | | | | are produced in the same basic way. First, the barrel |
| glass bottle of ink fitted with a wick made from wool | | | | and cap of the promotional marker are formed from |
| felt. At first, this "magic marker" was primarily used | | | | plastic resin, which is heated into its molten state and |
| for labelling and artistic purposes but, because of its | | | | then injected into a form - a process known as |
| ability to write on almost any surface, promotional | | | | injection moulding. Once the resin has cooled and |
| markers soon increased in popularity and were | | | | hardened, the printed marking pen is fitted with a nib. |
| adapted for their many uses. | | | | This felt or nylon tip is made from a mixture of |
| Following Rosenthal's original design, felt tips have | | | | powder and water that is moulded into the proper |
| since evolved into the promotional highlighters, | | | | shape - typically flat or pointed - and then baked. |
| markers, and fine liners that are common today. | | | | Once all the components have been crafted, |
| These promotional pens can generally be divided into | | | | promotional markers are assembled by a |
| two categories: permanent and non-permanent. | | | | multi-functional machine. A polyester cylinder is |
| Permanent markers and highlighters contain indelible | | | | inserted into the barrel of the printed marker; this |
| ink that is water-resistant and won't rub off. | | | | acts as the ink reservoir. The promotional pen is then |
| Non-permanent marking pens, such as dry erase and | | | | injected with ink - a compound of 1-10% water, a |
| wet erase markers, are for temporary writing | | | | solvent, and various additives and preservatives - and |
| purposes. These printed pens use an ink that adheres | | | | the felt tip and cap are fitted. Finally, the promotional |
| to the surface (such as a whiteboard) without | | | | marking pens are sorted and packaged for retail sale. |
| absorbing into it. | | | | Felt-tip promotional pens are widely used by |
| In addition to these familiar felt tips, promotional | | | | individuals of all ages and professions. They are a |
| marker pens have also been developed for specific | | | | favourite of small children and corporate businessmen |
| purposes, as is the case with security and election | | | | alike. With such widespread popularity, isn't it time |
| markers. Printed pens with a special "election ink" are | | | | you considered what printed markers can do for |
| used to mark a voter's finger or cuticle in order to | | | | your business? |
| prevent double voting or other electoral fraud. The | | | | |