Ballpoint pens are everyday tools we often take for granted — but behind each custom pen lies a highly precise, multi-step manufacturing process. For companies ordering OEM or wholesale custom pens, understanding this process not only helps in quality control but also ensures smoother collaboration with the manufacturer.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of how custom ballpoint pens are manufactured — from raw material sourcing to packaging and shipment.
🔧 1. Design & Customization Planning
Every custom pen project begins with client requirements:
Pen style (plastic, metal, eco-friendly)
Logo placement and printing method
Ink color (black, blue, red, etc.)
Body color and design
Special functions (e.g., stylus, flashlight, multi-function)
The manufacturer then creates 3D drawings, technical specifications, and sometimes samples or digital mockups for approval.
🧱 2. Raw Material Preparation
Plastic Pens: Made from ABS or PP plastic granules
Metal Pens: Use aluminum or stainless steel tubes
Eco Pens: Made from bamboo, recycled plastic, or biodegradable materials
The quality of materials directly affects the writing comfort, durability, and appearance of the finished pen.
🏗️ 3. Injection Molding (Plastic Pens)
Plastic components (pen barrel, clip, tip, button) are formed using injection molding machines:
Heated plastic is injected into metal molds
Molds are cooled and solidified within seconds
Components are then ejected and sent for trimming and polishing
This process ensures high-volume production with consistent precision.
🔩 4. CNC Cutting & Shaping (Metal Pens)
For metal pens:
Metal rods or tubes are cut to length
CNC machines shape the barrel, clip, and grip sections
Additional surface treatments like anodizing or polishing may be applied for a premium finish
🎨 5. Surface Finishing
After shaping, pen bodies go through:
Polishing or sanding (to remove mold lines and improve smoothness)
Painting or electroplating (to apply the desired color)
UV coating or matte finishing (for texture and durability)
🖨️ 6. Logo Printing & Branding
This is where the pen becomes your custom promotional product. Depending on the material and design, the following printing methods may be used:
Pad Printing (1–2 color logos, fast and affordable)
UV Full-Color Printing (high-res, photographic logos)
Laser Engraving (for metal pens; permanent and elegant)
Silk Screen Printing (for larger logo areas)
Each pen goes through quality inspection to ensure logo alignment, clarity, and durability.
✒️ 7. Ink Refill Assembly
Ballpoint ink refills are typically made in-house or sourced from certified suppliers.
The ink tube is filled with oil-based ink
The ballpoint tip is fitted precisely to control ink flow
Refills are inserted into the pen barrel along with the spring mechanism
Ink is tested for smooth writing, no leakage, and consistent line quality.
🔧 8. Final Pen Assembly
This step combines all components into the finished product:
Clip is attached to the pen body
Barrel and grip sections are connected
Ink refill is inserted and button mechanism tested
Each pen is manually or automatically clicked to ensure function
📦 9. Packaging & Custom Labeling
Packaging options depend on customer requirements:
Individual opp bags (most common for bulk wholesale)
Custom boxes with logo (ideal for corporate gifting)
Pen sets (with notebooks, USB drives, etc.)
Some clients also request barcode labels, product inserts, or instruction manuals for retail-ready shipment.
🔍 10. Quality Control & Inspection
Before shipment, the factory performs:
Random sampling inspection
Ink testing (writing test)
Print durability check
Scratch and defect inspection
Quantity check and packaging verification
Only after passing QC are products cleared for shipping.
🌍 11. Shipping & Delivery
Depending on order volume and client location:
Small orders: By air or courier (DHL, FedEx)
Bulk orders: By sea (FCL or LCL containers)
All shipments include packing lists, invoices, and export documentation
Customs handling and delivery timelines are discussed at the time of order.
