ISO 14145-1:2017

Overview

ISO 14145-1:2017 - "Roller ball pens and refills - Part 1: General use" sets minimum quality and testing requirements for roller ball pens (refillable and non‑refillable) and refills intended for general use. The standard defines product classifications, dimensional types, performance criteria and the test methods and equipment used to verify compliance. It complements ISO 14145-2 (documentary use), which adds stricter requirements for long‑term legibility and document integrity.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Tip classification: Tips are classified by ball diameter/line width into Extra fine (EF), Fine (F), Medium (M) and Broad (B) with defined diameter ranges.
• Refill shapes and dimensions: Refills are categorized into types A, B, C (with specified dimensions) and D for non‑standard shapes.
• Performance criteria: Clear pass/fail requirements include:
  • Writing performance: Smooth writing must start within 10 cm and produce at least 400 m of continuous line without starving or obvious fluctuation.
  • Strike through: No visible strike through on standard test paper to a trained eye.
  • Drying time: Lines must be non‑smearing under the specified drying test.
  • Reproducibility: Written lines must reproduce (photocopy, microfilm, facsimile).
  • Optional water resistance (WR): Lines remain visible after water testing when product is labeled “water resistant.”
  • Light resistance, cap‑off time, shelf life: Requirements and test procedures are specified for light exposure, cap‑off performance and ageing.
• Test apparatus and conditions: Details include write test machine settings (1 N load, 4.5 m/min ±0.5 m/min, spiral pattern), two designated testing paper types, eraser hardness, light test apparatus (xenon arc), and standard climatic conditions for testing (23 °C/50% RH or 27 °C/65% RH).

Applications and who uses ISO 14145-1

• Pen and refill manufacturers: For product design, quality control and to demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized performance benchmarks.
• Quality assurance and test laboratories: To perform standardized performance testing (writing distance, drying time, water and light resistance, reproducibility).
• Procurement and retailers: To specify minimum quality and dimensional compatibility for supplied pens and refills.
• Standards bodies and conformity assessors: For referencing in product standards and harmonized specifications.
• Archivists and document specialists: Use ISO 14145-1 in conjunction with ISO 14145-2 when choosing inks for day‑to‑day use versus documentary applications.

Related standards

• ISO 14145-2 (documentary use)
• ISO 12756 (vocabulary for drawing and writing instruments)
• Referenced test standards: ISO 105‑A02, ISO 105‑B02, ISO 534, ISO 535, ISO 536, ISO 5627, ISO 8791‑4, ISO 868, ISO 2144

Keywords: ISO 14145-1, roller ball pens, refills, writing performance, tip classification, cap-off time, drying time, water resistance, test methods.