SIMPLIFIED: "Why Are Pencils Hexagonal?"

Link to article: https://www.iflscience.com/why-are-pencils-hexagonal-79206 

Note: The image above was taken from the original article.

The above article talks about a question that I feel many people don’t ask: why are pencils a hexagonal shape? I mean, they could be a cubical shape, or perfectly circular, but no. They are hexagonal. Why is this?

One of the reasons why the hexagonal shape is applied to pencils is because the hexagonal shape just feels better in your hands. If pencils had a circular shape, there would be a higher chance of your fingers slipping, and it would be harder to get a stronger grip. With the hexagonal shape, there are established sides that you can place your fingers on without slipping. Additionally, think about this: where do you usually place pencils while you are at school or at work? On your table! Therefore, if your desk or table was just slightly uneven, and pencils had a circular shape, that pencil would be rolling to the floor! Thankfully the hexagonal shape of the pencils provides the pencil more surface area to stay flat on your table or desk.

Another reason is due to saving materials. If pencils are made with the hexagonal shape, companies and manufacturers can actually create one or a few extra pencils out of the same amount of wood. There is actually a video in the article linked above that showcases how pencils are made, so if you are interested in watching that, go ahead and click the link above and check the video out. 

Ultimately, why do we care if pencils are hexagonal or circular or another shape? This idea is important in engineering because engineers have a lot to consider when they are designing various new things, other than just the functionality. Even if a pencil was circular shaped, you could still write with it. However, it would be less comfortable, and people would be less inclined to use them. Engineers therefore have to consider other factors than just how a new design will function.