Marker Nibs | Porous nibs for art marker
What are alcohol markers?
Alcohol Markers are also known as Art Markers or Sketch markers and are mainly used for illustration, sketching and design purposes and are classified as marker pens. The alcohol marker has a reservoir inside its body filled with alcohol ink, which is wicked into the marker nib by capillary action. There are different types of marker nibs, including felt nibs, nylon nibs and porous nibs. The porous nibs are made of plastic (open-cell porous material) with an abundance of pores in its structure like sponges.
Main applications
We supply porous nibs made to order for each application and each ink, mainly for design markers and art markers. We also support development for non-writing applications such as pen-type applicators.
| Application | Required performance | Shape |
| Design markers and art markers | Ink flow / Brush: line variation by pen pressure and resilience / Chisel: consistent line width | Brush, chisel |
| Pen-type applicators (non-writing) | Resistance to chemicals and solvents, stable application volume | Special shapes, designed individually |
Porous marker nib manufacturer in Japan with over 40 years of experience
In the 1980’s we began research and development of porous nibs in Japan for the writing instrument industry. Since then, we have supplied the global market with porous components for writing instruments to meet each customer’s requirements. To meet our customers’ specific requirements in terms of ink flow, shapes, sizes, quality, cost and delivery time (QCD), we operate an integrated in-house system for all porous nib processes, from component design and development to raw material blending and nib manufacturing. Our aim is always to be your best partner for writing instrument development solutions.
Stable supply from our own factories in Japan and China
Yamahachi Chemical operates its own factories in Japan and China, running an integrated system from technical development through to mass production. The know-how built up at our head office in Japan is deployed to our factory in China, so we can match the volume you need while maintaining quality.
Technical capabilities
We produce porous nibs by grinding and moulding. Tell us the shape and size you need, and we will tell you whether we can make it. Our technical development team works with you from the first drawing through to mass production.
Do you want to know more? Read our column on Kinds of nibs for markers.
Features

Our nibs offer you excellent writing performance with smooth texture, ink flow, flexibility and durability in the products. The base material of our nibs is polyethylene (PE), which is resistant to solvents and chemicals.
| Material of porous plastic parts: Polyethylene (PE) | Nib type: Porous nib | Use: alcohol markers and other art markers |
| Available size for customization: 2.5 – 6.5 mm outside diameter | Available length for customization: up to 35 mm | Available shapes: Brush, chisel and other special shapes |
| Function: Appropriate hardness, smooth drawing ability | Compatible inks: alcohol based, water based, oil based, solvent based |
CUSTOMIZE SHAPES
STANDARD SHAPES:
SPECIAL SHAPE SAMPLES: Examples of shapes we have produced to order
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Frequently asked questions
Which inks can your nibs be used with?
Alcohol-based, water-based, oil-based and solvent-based inks. Because the base material is polyethylene, our nibs are resistant to solvents and chemicals. Please tell us which ink you plan to use, and we will check compatibility before making a proposal.
What shapes and sizes are available?
The standard outside diameter range is 2.5 to 6.5 mm, with lengths up to about 35 mm. Brush, chisel, bullet and flat are standard shapes, and special shapes are also available. If you have a drawing, we have produced nibs exactly to drawing before.
Can we discuss switching from the nib we use now?
Yes. Tell us the issues with your current nib, such as tip wear, ink flow or writing feel, and we will propose a development process from prototype and sample evaluation through to mass production.
Order steps for custom porous nibs
Please send us an enquiry by e-mail or contact form with details. After consulting with you or providing you with our samples, we will discuss with you how we can produce porous nibs according to your requirements and drawing.

Related columns
We explain nib technology and applications in more detail in our columns.
About Yamahachi Porous technology
Our porous nibs apply Yamahachi Porous, the open-cell porous material we developed in-house. The pages below explain the material, its functions and our development support.
- What is open-cell porous foam?
- Features of Yamahachi Porous
- Functions and applications
- Technical support
| Need any help? |
If you have any questions or would like to receive more detailed information or samples, please complete “contact form” and a company representative will contact you.











