BASTION INK CARTRIDGESUpdated 3 months ago

This page provides all the information you need about our ballpoint ink products. 

BALLPOINT TIP SIZE:

Our standard refill ballpoint tip size (line width) is .55mm, which is considered a fine point.  We do not offer any other sizes or styles.  Broader size points will not fit.

INK INSTALLED IN NEW PEN:

All pens come installed with black oil-based ink. We do not substitute ink styles/colors in new pens or sell pens with different color inks installed. We sell both oil and gel style inks in our store.

AVAILABLE INK TYPES:

We offer both ballpoint (oil-based) ink as well as gel (water-based ink). See below to understand the differences between ink styles.

STANDARD CARTRIDGE CAPACITY:

A single standard cartridge offers enough ink for approximately 30 college-ruled, 8.5x11 sheets of standard 20# to 24# (50-60lb text) bond paper.  This will vary as writing styles (pressure, glide, angle, etc.) are unique to each individual.

PURCHASING STANDARD PEN CARTRIDGE:

We sell both oil and gel style inks. Colors available are black, blue, and red in both styles.  We are not able to custom order or blend custom color inks.  

PURCHASING MINI PEN CARTRIDGE:

The mini refill is used exclusively for our mini aluminum pens and is only available in black oil ink. It is the last ink option shown on our ink cartridge product page.

CARTRIDGE COMPATIBILITY:

When we designed our pen in 2015, we made it compatible with ISO G2 refills. At that time, some manufacturers used the same refill dimensions we did. However, since that time, some manufacturers have changed their dimensions and they no longer work with our pens.  

We do not research or collect compatibility information regarding off brand refills, so we cannot say with certainty if off-brands will work or not.  

NOTE: damage or malfunction resulting from off brand refills voids manufacturer warranty. 

If considering using an off-brand ISO G2 refill, follow these standard refill size dimensions to ensure best fit: 

Total Length: 99.0mm

Ink barrel width (top to taper): 6.0mm

Inkwell shaft width (below taper): 2.0mm

CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Make sure pen is not deployed (cartridge tip is not exposed).

Unscrew the barrel from the pen tip.

There is a seam about an inch or so up from the tip.

This is the threaded part that separates the pen body to access the ink cartridge.

Be careful when removing the cartridge, not to lose the spring that covers the ballpoint tip area.

Place the spring on the ballpoint end of the new cartridge.

Insert cartridge into pen barrel, turning it very slowly until you feel it seat all the way into the bolt shaft.

Screw the pen tip back to the barrel and deploy bolt-action to make sure there is no resistance or blockage.

CARTRIDGE TROUBLESHOOTING AND GENERAL CARE:

Please review the following troubleshooting recommendations as the first step toward resolution.

Wax Protector:

Make sure the wax protector (typically colored red) is completely removed from cartridge tip.

It's a tiny cap that typically pops off when removed with your fingernails or applying a bit of pressure to the end.

However, sometimes residual wax may gum up and remain on the point inhibiting movement.

You will feel a bit of tension or friction when trying to write. The point may skip instead of rolling smoothly on the paper surface.

Cleaning Ballpoint:

Apply rubbing alcohol to the tip to make sure that no part of wax protector is blocking ink flow.

Ink Flow: 

Apply a very quick source of heat (hot water/flame) to the cartridge tip.

Do not apply flame to tip that was just cleaned with alcohol. Wait a while to ensure it's completely dry.

Do not place cartridge or pen in a microwave or use a heat gun as the source of heat.

Shake the cartridge a few times with a quick flick of the wrist to move the ink to the point end of the cartridge.

Attempt writing again with the cartridge almost completely vertical moving in small circles without too much pressure.

Storage: 

When not in use, be sure to retract pen cartridge back into barrel and keep pen cartridge pointing down.

DIFFERENCE IN INK STYLES:

Ballpoint, gel, and rollerball pens all have one feature in common: they use a small, revolving ball in the tip to dispense ink.  As you write, the surface of the ball is exposed to the ink reservoir, thus coating the ball, and continuing the flow of ink. Where they differ is how the ink is formulated.

Ballpoint Ink

Ballpoint pens use viscous, oil-based inks.  They’re made by dissolving dyes in a mixture of alcohols and fatty acids.  Alcohols promote smooth ink flow, while fatty acids lubricate the tip of the pen.  Because the ink is so thick, ballpoints work well on low-quality papers with little to no bleed through.  However, they do require more pressure to write.  This can be tiring over long periods of time, but some find these inks easier to control.  Ballpoint inks are usually smudge resistant, quick drying, and waterproof.

Gel Ink

Gel ink consists of pigment suspended in a water-based gel.  This particular formulation makes gel pens precise and vibrant.  The smooth ink flow makes it much easier to write for long periods of time with less pressure, so you won’t get hand cramps as easily.  However, gel pens tend to skip more than ballpoints or rollerballs. This is because their tips are not as evenly coated with the thinner, water-based ink. Gel pens also have longer dry times, so they can smudge if you’re not careful.

WHEN TO USE INK TYPES:

Ballpoint pens are dependable writers.  The viscous (oil-based) ink found in ballpoints is uniquely suited to writing on slick surfaces (like receipts or other thermal papers) that might smudge gel (water-based) inks.  Thanks to their dependability, ballpoints make excellent everyday carry additions.   Because ballpoints require some pressure to write, they work well to ensure dark marks when paired with carbonless copy paper.

Gel pens are great for everyday notetaking.  

We do not offer rollerball or hybrid ink types.

Rollerball Ink

A rollerball pen uses liquid ink consisting of dyes dissolved in water--similar to what’s commonly used with fountain pens.  

Hybrid Ink

Some ballpoints use hybrid or low-viscosity ink.  This refers to an ink formulation that is enhanced with lubricants, making the ball at the tip rotate smoothly.