Secrets of Pencils: Numbers and Letters
The numbers and letters on the back of the pencils are actually part of an important system that determines the features and usage areas of the pencils. Especially during the education period, the fact that our teachers ask us to use certain pens shows how important this system is. But have you ever wondered what exactly these numbers and letters mean? Let’s try to solve this mystery together!
Letter “B” and Softness Degree
The letter “B” gives information about the softness of the lead. The first letter of the English word “black”, “B”, represents dark and soft-tipped pencils. Soft pencils are generally preferred for artistic works and drawings as they have the capacity to create darker lines. For example, when we list pencils such as 2B, 4B, 6B according to the degree of softness, 6B is the softest pencil and creates darker lines. The advantage of these pencils is that you can get denser lines with less pressure. These pencils are often preferred to capture details, especially when drawing.
Letter “H” and Hardness Degree
The letter “H” is related to the hardness of the pencil. It derives from the English word “hard”. The number next to the letter “H” indicates the hardness level of the pencil; so the higher the number, the harder the pencil. For example, a 9H pencil is harder than a 7H pencil. Hard pencils generally create thinner, lighter lines. For this reason, it is frequently used in architectural drawings and technical drawings. The advantage of hard tip pens is that they make drawings clearer and more distinct.
Letter “F”: Neither Light nor Dark
The letter “F” represents pencils that are neither light nor dark but have a hard tip. This letter, which comes from the word “Fine”, is ideal for fine writings and drawings. The line thickness of F pens is generally around 0.6 mm. While these pens are used in projects that require detailed work, they can also be seen in fountain pens. Pens marked with the letter “F” provide great convenience to students when writing and drawing.
Medium Hard Pencils: “HB”
There is also a group of pencils that contain both the letters “H” and “B”, and these pencils are considered medium hard. These items are commonly known as HB. “HB” pencils are neither too soft nor too hard, thus offering versatile use. It is very suitable for both writing and drawing. It is one of the most preferred pens by students because it shows sufficient performance both when writing and making simple drawings.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Pen
- Determine Your Needs: Consider what type of work you will do. Is it an artistic work or a technical drawing? This will affect your choice of pen.
- Pen Tip Type: Soft pencils produce darker lines, while hard pencils create thinner, clearer lines.
- Brand: There may be quality differences between pen brands. Choosing reliable brands will ensure you get better results.
- Uses: Consider different types of pens for school projects, art lessons or daily notes.
Conclusion
The numbers and letters on the back of pencils are actually part of a system that indicates how soft or hard they are. This information makes your pen selection easier and helps you understand which pen is more suitable for which job. Now when you use these pens, do you know their meaning? I hope this article helped you demystify pencils. Remember, choosing the right pen can increase your creativity and productivity!
Sources: Artist Academy, Hickman Design
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