Fountain Pen Cartridges

Cartridges are used for most European fountain pens such as Pelikan, Waterman, Stipula, Michel Perchin. The cartridges are typically called "international cartridges" or "European cartridges" or "universal cartridges." They come in long sizes, about 72mm and 1.45 ml of capacity, and short sizes, about 38 mm in length and .75 ml of capacity.

Because cartridge sizes are generally standard, international cartridges can be used in most European fountain pens that accept the cartridges. Some fountain pens, such as Waterman, have specific fittings that do not allow the use of short cartridges. These pens can only hold proprietary cartridges from the same manufacturer. Other manufacturers that have developed their own proprietary cartridges include Parker and Namiki.

International cartridges are pressed into a fountain pen and are closed off by a small glass ball. The glass ball is positioned inside the exit hole of the ink. To release the ink, a small pin pushes the ball into the cartridge once the cartridge is pushed into the pen. Some brands, such as Parker, do not have this ball. They have a piece of plastic that is broken with a sharp pin once the cartridge is pushed into the pen.

The advantage of using fountain pens with cartridges is convenience. They are easier to refill while travelling and are not as messy. However, non-cartridge fountain pens are more economical, waste less plastic, have easier cleaning methods and come with a wider selection of inks.

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