How is the nib of a pencil made?

The nib of a pencil, often referred to as the "lead," is made from a mixture of graphite and clay. The graphite provides the smooth writing quality, while the clay helps to bind the materials and control the hardness of the lead. This mixture is extruded into thin rods, which are then dried and baked at high temperatures to harden them. After cooling, the leads are cut to size and can be encased in wood or other materials to form the finished pencil.