You may have already noticed this small hole at the top of the cap of your pen. A discreet, almost insignificant detail. And yet, it hides a much more fascinating story than’il n’y seems. Because if this hole is there, it is not to make pretty.. And the reason could well change the way you see your everyday objects.
A hole that can avoid drama
Every year, hundreds of’children — and even d’adults distracted — mechanically put a pen cap in their mouth. The risk ? L’stuffing.
This’ is precisely why international safety standards imposed the’ addition of this small hole. It allows the’air to circulate, even if the cap were to get stuck in the throat. A bit like a « emergency opening », who can let just enough’air pass to avoid the worst while waiting for help.
A seemingly innocuous design gesture, but one that can save lives.
A better circulation of’ink
This hole does not’a a vocation of security. It also plays a role in the proper functioning of the pen. How ? By regulating the internal pressure.
When you write,’air must circulate to prevent the’ink S’flows irregularly or block. The hole allows’ to balance this pressure between the’ inside the pen and the’ outside, ensuring a fluid and regular flow.
It’is a bit like a small « regulator d’air » for the pen, which breathes to work without a hitch.
An economic and smart choice.
In the’industry, every gram of plastic counts. Making millions of full caps costs more than’on thinks. The hole, no matter how small, helps reduce the amount of material used while speeding up the molding process.
Less material, more’ efficiency, and large-scale savings : a winning trio for manufacturers. And a good example of optimized design, where every detail is important.
A design element in its own right
Some brands like BIC or Pilot they even made it an aesthetic asset. This small hole becomes a visual signature, a way to stand out while meeting safety standards.
L’ingenuity at the heart of the’ordinary
The next time you pick up a pen, take a look at that little hole. This’ is not a manufacturing defect, nor an oversight. C’is the fruit of’a deep reflection between safety, performance, economy and aesthetics.
Like what, even the simplest objects of our daily lives can hide treasures of’intelligence.
