Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pen
Sakura Gelly Roll Gel Pen
Regular price
$4.85 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$4.85 USD
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Back in the '80s when ballpoint and rollerball pens dominated the pen world, Sakura dreamed of creating an ink formula that was smoother than clumpy ballpoints, but not as runny as rollerballs. They suspected that the answer lay in a unique property of gels to be solid at rest and more liquid and free-flowing when disturbed. Termed thixotropic action, this property combines the best features of both oil- (ballpoint) and water-based (rollerball) inks.
Not just any gel would do, however. The perfect ratio of viscosity to thixotropic action was needed to produce a gel ink that could write well. After testing all sorts of gels, including agar, grated yam, egg whites, and more, Sakura finally stumbled upon xanthan gum. Often used as a thickening agent in foods (salad dressings and jams for example), xanthan gum provided the ideal ratio of viscosity to thixotropic action in the new ink formula. Elated by their success, they immediately filed a patent—history was about to be made.
The journey didn't end there. To ensure the smoothest writing experience, Sakura re-engineered the ball at the tip of the pen to have a smoother surface that could accommodate the new ink. They also leveraged their experience in pigments to give the ink the vivid colors we know and love. With all the different pieces finally in place, the Gelly Roll was born.
Not just any gel would do, however. The perfect ratio of viscosity to thixotropic action was needed to produce a gel ink that could write well. After testing all sorts of gels, including agar, grated yam, egg whites, and more, Sakura finally stumbled upon xanthan gum. Often used as a thickening agent in foods (salad dressings and jams for example), xanthan gum provided the ideal ratio of viscosity to thixotropic action in the new ink formula. Elated by their success, they immediately filed a patent—history was about to be made.
The journey didn't end there. To ensure the smoothest writing experience, Sakura re-engineered the ball at the tip of the pen to have a smoother surface that could accommodate the new ink. They also leveraged their experience in pigments to give the ink the vivid colors we know and love. With all the different pieces finally in place, the Gelly Roll was born.
