Porous Tips | Porous plastic tips for applicators
What are porous tips?
A porous tip is a functional part made from open-cell porous plastic. Inside the part is a three-dimensional network of fine, connected pores, so it absorbs a liquid, holds it, and releases it at a controlled rate through the tip surface. The base material is polyethylene (PE), so the tip does not fray or shed fibres in use and it resists solvents and chemicals.
This page is for non-writing parts: applicator tips, marking tips and absorbent components. If you are looking for nibs for markers and pens, please see Marker Nibs.
Main applications
We supply porous tips made to order for each liquid and each application.
| Application | What the tip does | Typical shape |
| Chemical and solvent applicators | Applies a set amount of liquid to a surface without dripping | Brush, flat, special shapes |
| Marking and dotting tips | Transfers a small, repeatable dot of ink or liquid | Bullet, round, pyramid |
| Absorbent functional components | Absorbs oil or ink and holds it inside the part | Block, hollow shapes |
| Pen-type applicators (non-writing) | Feeds liquid from a reservoir to the tip at a stable rate | Tip assembled with a feeder |
Why choose Yamahachi porous tips
Yamahachi Chemical has developed open-cell porous plastic in Japan since the 1980s and operates its own factories in Japan and China. All processes are run in-house, from part design and raw material blending through to moulding and finishing, so we can answer your requirements for quality, cost and delivery time (QCD). For applications where a fibre or felt part causes fraying, dust or an unstable application volume, a porous tip is the alternative we develop with you.
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| Three-dimensional network fine continuous porous structure. | Various shapes and assembling to feeder available. | Also available in hollow shapes and small sizes. | Flexible porous tips/nibs. | Absorbs oil and ink. Great for oil and/or ink applications. |
Technical capabilities
Our porous tips can be produced by injection moulding, extrusion and grinding, so the shape is not limited to a simple rod. Hollow shapes, asymmetric shapes and tubes with a unique cross-section are all possible. We can also adjust hardness, porosity and the rate at which the liquid is released. As a secondary operation we can assemble the porous tip together with an ink feeder or reservoir and supply it as one component.
Features
Material of porous plastic parts: Polyethylene (PE)
Optional materials: HDPE, PP
Part type: Open-cell porous plastic tip
Use: Applicators, marking tips and absorbent functional components
Size and shapes: Custom, by injection moulding, extrusion and grinding
Average porosity (%): 60 – 80 %
Average pore size (μm): 5 – 30 μm, random
Heat-resistant temperature (°C): 50 – 100 °C
Adjustable properties: hardness, porosity and liquid release rate
Options: assembly to feeder, hydrophilization
Shape samples
Here are some of the shapes we have produced. Tips are basically made to order: based on your application and your required physical properties, we carry out trials and then production.
 Brush |
 Brush |
 Bullet |
 Special shape |
 Sword |
 Chisel |
 Flat |
 Round |
 Special |
 Special |
 Cats-eye |
 Diamond |
 Feather |
 Sword |
 Pen with hollow |
 Flat with hollow |
 Mushroom with hollow |
 Special hollow |
 Pyramid |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between your porous tips and marker nibs?
The material and the production processes are the same. The difference is the design target. A marker nib is designed for writing feel and line quality, so we control ink flow and resilience. A porous tip is designed for a non-writing job such as applying, marking or absorbing, so we control the application volume, the shape of the contact face and resistance to the liquid.
Can you make hollow tips, and can you assemble the tip with a feeder?
Yes. Hollow shapes, small diameters and asymmetric shapes are all possible by injection moulding, extrusion and grinding. We can also assemble the porous tip together with an ink feeder or reservoir and supply it as one component.
Which liquids can be used with your porous tips?
The base material is polyethylene, so the tips resist solvents and chemicals, and they suit oil based and solvent based liquids and inks. For water based liquids we offer a hydrophilization option. Please tell us the liquid you plan to use, and we will check compatibility before making a proposal.
Order steps for custom porous tips
Please send us an enquiry by e-mail or contact form with details of the liquid you use, the application and the shape you need. After consulting with you or providing you with our samples, we will discuss with you how we can produce porous tips according to your requirements and drawing.
Related columns
We explain porous tip technology and applications in more detail in our columns.
About Yamahachi Porous technology
Our porous tips 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?
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