How Lead Pencils are Made Today

India
December 4, 2009 9:27am CST
Pencil lead is a form of carbon, called graphite: derived from the Greek word 'graphein' meaning, to write. During pencil manufacture,natural graphite is reduced to a powder, blended with clay,then formed into a paste. This graphite paste is then compressed and extruded into long thin rods,which are then baked.The finished lead is then infused with wax to facilitate smooth drawing and encased in cedarwood shafts.
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@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
5 Dec 09
Hi Simirana :) When you stop and think about it, a pencil, at least to me, is still a pretty wonderful invention. I love to write and draw, so it's interesting to know how pencils are made :)) Karen