Erasers work by rubbing away pencil or other closely related material, such as charcoal, from the surface of paper or other materials. The rubber found in an eraser is able to remove graphite oxide from paper or other surfaces, but it is not able to erase marker ink or other ink-based materials.
The rubber in an eraser is made of extremely small particles of clay, solidified oil, and/or gum, bound together by a cementing agent like latex. This rubber is soft and can also perform as an abrasive material.
When you move an eraser across paper, the rubber particles act like tiny fingers rubbing on the paper and removing the graphite.
The eraser’s softness and flexibility allows it to mold itself and rub against the paper, rather than just pushing particles of graphite around, which would make it impossible to erase the lines and shapes it creates.
Various eraser types are available to purchase, such as kneadable erasers, art erasers, and electric erasers. Generally, for erasing on paper materials, the rubber erasers work the best because of their flexibility and the small particles that are able to rub away the pencil markings.
Why does an eraser erase graphite?
Erasers erase graphite because of their abrasive nature. The rubber in erasers contains a substance called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When the eraser is pressed against graphite, the PVC particles act like a tiny sandpaper and cause tiny particles of the graphite to be ‘worn away’ from the paper.
This is why the eraser makes it look like the graphite markings have just disappeared from the paper.
Why do erasers not erase?
Erasers actually do erase, they just don’t erase in the traditional way that most people may think. An eraser is composed of rubber and rubber is not smooth and hard like a pencil mark. So, when an eraser is used on a surface, it actually smears the pencil mark around instead of fully erasing it.
This smearing action lightly lifts the graphite off the surface and spreads the particles around, making the mark appear lighter. The particles are still there, but the eraser has “erased” them, as far as having a visibly lighter mark.
If you wipe away the eraser fragments, the underlying graphite might be slightly visible. It is also important to note, that if the lead of the pencil that is being used is harder, the smearing action may be more effective in actually erasing the mark.
So, to sum it up, erasers do erase but actually smear the pencil particles around instead of completely removing them.
Has anyone finished an eraser?
No, it is impossible to finish an eraser because it is always possible to take away more and more of the material away from it. Even when it gets down to a nub, and it looks like there’s no more material that can be removed, it is still possible to rub away at it with your fingers, taking away even more of it.
This is why an eraser will never be completely used up, no matter how hard you try.
What did people use before erasers?
Before erasers, people used a variety of materials to remove mistakes from their writing. Before the rubber eraser was invented, people used materials such as bread crusts, bread crumbs, bread dough, bread scraps, bread rolls, bits of felt, and writing sticks dipped in soot, ashes, or gum.
Some would also place a damp cloth over the mistake and use a knob or other blunt instrument to rub the mistake off the paper. People also used specially prepared materials such as cuttlefish bone, ivory, and lemon juice.
However, before the rubber eraser was invented, these materials were often messy and ineffective.
How is pencil rubber made?
Pencil rubber is typically made from natural rubber or synthetic rubber, often in the form of an eraser mounted on the end of a pencil. Natural rubber is derived from the latex of certain species of trees and shrubs, such as the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) native to South America.
This latex is extracted in a process called rubber tapping, and the resulting crude rubber is made into sheets of rubber through a process called coagulation. The rubber sheets are then processed further to create the eraser material.
Synthetic rubber, also known as plastic rubber or man-made rubber, is a material created by chemical processes to mimic the properties of natural rubber. It is often made from polymers derived from fossil fuels, such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, and styrene-butadiene.
These polymers are then processed and formed into rubber through a variety of processes, such as extrusion and injection molding.
Pencil rubber can also be made from other materials, such as cork and Teflon, to give the eraser unique properties. Cork is often used to provide a soft texture, while Teflon is used for its heat- and stain-resistant properties.
Finally, the eraser is attached to the end of a pencil to complete the process.
What are pencil erasers good for?
Pencil erasers are great for making corrections on penciled writing, art and sketches without having to completely start over. They come in many sizes and shapes, and can be used to lighten or completely erase mistakes.
Pencil erasers are also great for antique restoration, because they do not leave residue behind like liquid erasers can. For example, when restoring wood or documents with pencil writing, an eraser can safely remove or lighten the pencil strokes.
Pencil erasers can also help clean up corrective content on typed documents; because pencil erasers are softer than liquid erasers, you can remove the errors without damaging the paper. Pencil erasers can also be used to create shadow and highlights on sketches and drawings, giving more depth to the drawings.
How do they make erasers for pencils?
The process of making erasers for pencils starts with mixing a base ingredient, usually a type of rubber, with oils and fatty acids to create a soft paste. This paste is then molded into the desired shape and size.
After the erasers are formed they usually go through a procedure called vulcanization, which involves heating the erasers in a special oven-like contraption that helps to harden and shape the erasers.
After vulcanization, the erasers are dipped in a softening liquid to make them easier to erase with. The erasers are then painted or otherwise decorated with designs to make them look attractive and presentable.
Finally, the erasers are inspected for quality and then packaged for distribution.
Why do pencils have erasers?
Pencils have erasers because it’s incredibly useful to be able to make mistakes without having to start all over again. Before erasers were invented, if someone made a mistake while using a pencil they would either have to try and cover it up, erase it with their finger, or simply start over.
Erasers make it much easier to fix mistakes without having to totally redo the work. Erasers also allow for written communication to be changed and edited with ease and precision.
Erasers are made from materials such as rubber, vinyl, Synthetic plastic and even felt. The shape and size of an eraser also helps to make it easier to erase small marks, or larger areas. For example, many artists use chisel-tip erasers for detail work, and block erasers for larger areas.
Different types of erasers can also be used for other tasks aside from erasing pencil marks, such as creating highlights or “waxing” a drawing.
In the early 1800s, an English engineer named John Mitchell invented the first eraser. He invented the eraser by picking up some of the rubber scraps at his office and binding them together with a bit of string.
His invention became known as the “rubber version” and soon made its way all around the world. This invention paved the way for other eraser inventors to further develop the eraser for better accuracy and usability.
Bottom line, pencils have erasers because it makes it much easier and more efficient to correct mistakes and edit written communication.
How do I make my eraser erase better?
To make your eraser erase better, there are a few different tips and tricks you can use. First, try to avoid leaving your eraser exposed to excessive heat and/or light as this can dry it out and causes it to crumble or tear easily.
Instead, store it in a cool, dry place, and keep it covered in a protective material like a plastic bag or container when not in use. Secondly, make sure to use your eraser on a clean, even surface to get a better result – you may want to also lightly dampen your eraser to help avoid of any residue or dirt particles before you use it.
Finally, consider purchasing a eraser that is specifically designed to erase better – some brands make erasers that are specially formulated to give a smoother and more consistent erasing result.
Why do some erasers work better than others?
Some erasers work better than others due to their composition. Most erasers are made up of rubber, wax, or a combination of the two, with the type of material they are made of playing a key role in how well they erase.
For example, rubber erasers are often firmer and can remove graphite from surfaces more easily than wax erasers, which often leave smudges or smears behind. The size of the eraser also affects how well it works as a larger eraser allows for more precise erasing.
Additionally, some erasers are treated with additional materials, like sand, chalk, or gum arabic, which can help to make them more effective for erasing.
How the erasing power of rubber was discovered?
The erasing power of rubber was discovered in 1770 by Joseph Priestly, an English chemist and theologian. He performed an experiment that involved pressing a pencil writing against a piece of paper and then rubbing it with a piece of rubber.
To his surprise, he noticed that the pencil marks had been partly erased! This experiment marked the beginning of the modern pencil eraser, and sparked an entire industry of rubber production that is still thriving today.
The rubber eraser is made from a rubber material that is elastic, meaning it can stretch and be molded into different shapes without losing its structure. This same flexibility also allows rubber to be effective at erasing pencil marks, as the rubber can lift and absorb the graphite particles off the paper without harming it.
Rubber erasers actually work by pushing the graphite particles into the paper fibers, allowing them to be wiped away physically, leaving the paper surface unharmed.
What is the GREY part of the eraser for?
The grey part of the eraser is designed for precise erasing, enabling you to get into the small details and tight lines when erasing. It is also useful when erasing dark or heavily saturated pencil markings.
The grey part of the eraser is perfect for getting into tight spaces or roughing up an area prior to using the pink eraser. The grey eraser is also good for larger sections or areas when you don’t want your erasing to leave defined ridges behind.
Why is the eraser pink?
The reason why the eraser is typically pink can be traced back to its invention in 1770 by Joseph Priestley. While experimenting with rubber, Priestley discovered that rubber could be used to write and erase pencil marks.
He presented his findings to a competing colleague, mathematician Edward Nairne, who chose to color his erasers pink for commercial purposes. He believed that the color pink would be more appealing to consumers.
Furthermore, he was also able to sell the erasers at a higher price compared to the colorless erasers.
Since then, the color pink has often been associated with the traditional eraser and other stationery items. It has since become an iconic image and is an instantly recognizable product, regardless of whether or not it is actually used to erase mistakes.
Interestingly, the popularity of the pink eraser transcends cultures, countries and continents. In East Asian countries, pink erasers are also often seen as decorative items and given as gifts.
Ultimately, the color pink is synonymous with the eraser due to its long-standing history and purposeful product design. Over centuries, the eraser has become a recognizable object amongst generations of students and is a product that brings nostalgia for many.
Can bread be used as an eraser?
No, bread cannot be used as an eraser. Erasers are made of rubber which is used to remove pencil and other marks from paper. Bread on the other hand is a type of food made from flour, water, and yeast.
The combination of these ingredients create the doughy, porous texture of the bread. It would be ineffective as an eraser since its porous texture would not be able to effectively scoop and remove pencil or pen marks from paper without leaving smudges and residue.
What is the difference between white and pink erasers?
White and pink erasers have a different makeup and offer different erasing capabilities. White erasers are typically constructed from a PVC-free rubber material that glides across the page easily, leaving minimal smearing.
They are known for their ability to erase markings without leaving any traces of the old markings. White erasers come in various sizes, shapes, and thicknesses.
Pink erasers are usually made of a natural gum eraser material. They are initially soft and pliable, making them great for erasing light marks or small areas on paper. However, they have a tendency to harden and crumble with use, making them less suitable for broad erasing jobs.
In addition, they often leave smudges or impressions of erased items, which can make them best suited for rough sketches and light lines. Pink erasers are commonly used by artists and illustrators who need to make small erasing corrections.
Why are erasers different colors?
Erasers come in different colors for both practical and aesthetic purposes. On a practical level, color-coded erasers can be helpful when correcting different colors of ink. For example, a blue eraser is great for removing blue ink, while a pink eraser is better for pencil markings.
Additionally, using different colored erasers can help prevent accidental smearing of ink when erasing.
From an aesthetic standpoint, colored erasers can look more appealing and are also more fun to use, making them a good choice for a variety of age groups. They are commonly used in school and art settings, and the colors may correlate with a certain course or subject.
Some erasers also feature designs or characters to bring a touch of personality and make them more attractive to younger users.
Are Pink Pearl erasers rubber?
No, Pink Pearl erasers are not rubber. Pink Pearl erasers are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam erasers that are designed to smudge light pencil marks without leaving any residue behind. They are often preferred over rubber erasers because they don’t create any crumbs or tear the paper surface as rubber erasers can.
Pink Pearl erasers are usually shaped in a traditional eraser rectangle but may have a rounded end for detailed erasing work. Pink Pearl erasers are non-abrasive, so they won’t scratch the paper surface like some rubber erasers can.
What is an eraser made out of?
An eraser is typically made up of a rubber or synthetic polymer material. The rubbery material is often stuffed into a plastic holder or casing, which allows for precise handling and application. The outer casing of the eraser often has designs, colors, or stylish patterns to make the eraser look pleasant and attractive.
In the past, erasers were made from natural substances such as vegetable matter, wax, and even pumice. Modern erasers are typically made of synthetic rubber, but some still contain natural rubber. Erasers are also abrasive, meaning that they are able to remove pigments, graphite, inks, and other substances from smooth surfaces.