What exactly are dispensing needle specifications, and how do you choose the right one for your application? Dispensing needles play a crucial role in the dispensing process, and with a variety of options available, it's important to select the perfect one for your needs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dispensing needles — from types and sizes to materials and how to choose the best one for your project.
Dispensing needles come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Depending on the adhesive's chemical properties and viscosity, there are different types of needles to suit various applications. Here's an overview of the most common specifications:
1. Needle Style
There are several different styles of dispensing needles, including:
Each style is designed to meet different coating needs and product requirements.
2. Needle Size
Needle size is often expressed in Gauge (G) or millimeters (mm). Common sizes include 14G, 18G, and 22G. For example, a 14G needle has an internal diameter of about 1.6mm and an external diameter of 2.1mm, while a 22G needle has an internal diameter of 0.413mm and an external diameter of 0.7176mm. The smaller the gauge, the larger the needle.
3. Needle Length
Needle lengths typically range from 8mm, 13mm, 15mm, and 25mm. Custom lengths are available to fit specific coating needs or adhesive material characteristics.
4. Needle Tip Shape
The shape of the needle's tip affects the flow and pattern of the adhesive. Common tip shapes include:
Each shape delivers different coating effects, depending on the application.
5. Needle Material
Dispensing needles are available in various materials based on the type of adhesive and the surface it will coat. The most common materials include:
Selecting the appropriate material depends on the properties of the adhesive used and the surface to be coated.
6. Needle Angle
Angled needles, like 45° or 90°, allow flexibility when dispensing adhesives on specific surfaces or positions.
Choosing the Right Needle: Key Features & Benefits
Here's a breakdown of some common dispensing needles and their ideal applications:
Needle Type
| Needle Type | Features |
| 1. Metal Needles | Durable, stainless steel needles ideal for a wide range of dispensing applications. |
| 2. Bent Needles | Best for side dispensing applications, often used with 45° or 90° angles. |
| 3. Teflon Needles | Perfect for dispensing materials that can't use metal needles, especially anaerobic adhesives. |
| 4. Soft Needles | Ideal for dispensing in tight spaces and perfect for anaerobic adhesives, without damaging the surface. |
| 5. Tapered Needles | Conical shape, excellent for high-viscosity materials. |
| 6. Precision Needles | Extremely fine needles, perfect for ultra-precise dispensing in microelectronics. |
| 7. Brush-Tip Needles | Ideal for large-area coating applications, especially on flat surfaces. |
| 8. Multi-Tip Needles | Dispenses multiple points at once, significantly reducing production time. |
When selecting a dispensing needle, it's important to consider the following factors to ensure optimal performance:
1. Application Requirements
Different applications demand different needle styles. Smaller needles are ideal for precision work, while larger ones are better suited for dispensing larger quantities of adhesive.
2. Type of Adhesive
Be sure to choose a needle that matches the adhesive's properties. For low-viscosity adhesives, opt for finer needles, and for high-viscosity materials, go for larger ones. If using corrosive adhesives, such as UV or anaerobic adhesives, consider stainless steel or Teflon needles to prevent rusting or clogging.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance
Needle material and size can affect clogging and cleaning. If cleaning is a priority, opt for disposable, easy-to-clean, or replaceable needles to maintain efficiency and quality in the production process.
4. Brand Quality
Choosing well-known brands or certified suppliers ensures top-quality needles that will perform reliably. Poor-quality needles may result in poor adhesive flow, damaging your production quality.
5. Cost Effectiveness
Consider the cost of the needle relative to its performance. While higher-end needles might offer greater precision, balance cost and performance to ensure it fits your budget and improves production efficiency.
Choosing the right needle is crucial for smooth and accurate dispensing. When purchasing dispensing needles, consult an experienced supplier to ensure you select the ideal needle and dispensing machine combination. Suppliers with in-depth product information can help match you with the perfect solution for your specific needs.
At GENTLE, we provide a comprehensive range of dispensing products made in Taiwan. With over 30 years of experience, we offer cost-effective solutions and professional advice to help you optimize your production and improve product quality. Our GENTLE series includes a wide variety of dispensing needles, precision needles, and cleaning equipment to ensure the highest standards of operation.
Further Reading:
What is Dispensing Encapsulation? A 3-minute Guide to Types, Uses, and Benefits!
Pneumatic Fitting Specifications and Types: How to Choose the Right One & Discover Its Benefits!