Needle gauges can be confusing. And as an important parameter for bioprinting, you want to select the correct tip for your syringes. The gauge size of a needle indicates what the diameter of the lumen (opening) is. The higher the gauge, the smaller the diameter. For example, a 30 gauge needle has a narrower lumen than a 25 gauge needle. Different companies use different measurements for gauges, so it is important to specify inner diameter. Read on for the Allevi Gauge Size Guide.
A higher gauge (smaller inner diameter) leads to a higher resolution. However, trying to extrude material through a smaller opening will increase the required pressure for printing. This will then exert more stress on the material and any cells in it. High shear stress and pressure can decrease cell viability. Print speed may also be affected by your gauge size choice because flow rate is directly related to the area (in this case the area of the lumen) your material is flowing through.
Below, we have tables with information for the tips available at the Allevi shop.
Plastic (Straight 0.25″, 0.5″, or 1.0″)
| Gauge Size | Inner Diameter (mm) | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 0.330 | Orange |
| 24 | 0.300 | Blue-Green |
| 25 | 0.250 | Red |
| 26 | 0.240 | Peach |
| 27 | 0.200 | Clear |
| 28 | 0.190 | Grey |
| 30* | 0.152 | Lavender |
| 32 | 0.100 | Yellow |
| 34 | 0.080 | Teal |
Metal (Tapered 0.25″)
| Gauge Size | Inner Diameter (mm) | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | 0.864 | Tan |
| 25 | 0.437 | White |
| 27 | 0.335 | Red |
| 30 | 0.223 | Black |
Plastic (Tapered 1.25″)
| Gauge Size | Inner Diameter (mm) | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 0.280 | Red |
| 27 | 0.203 | Clear |
If you have any further questions, please reach out to [emailprotected]!
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I'm a seasoned expert in the field of bioprinting, and my in-depth knowledge extends to the intricate details of needle gauges, a crucial aspect in the realm of bioprinting technology. The Allevi Support update from October 4, 2022, highlights the significance of needle gauge selection in bioprinting processes.
Understanding needle gauges is fundamental, and my expertise allows me to elucidate this complex topic. The gauge size of a needle directly correlates with the diameter of its lumen, determining the size of the opening through which materials are extruded. Notably, a higher gauge indicates a smaller inner diameter, translating to a narrower lumen. For instance, a 30 gauge needle has a more constricted lumen compared to a 25 gauge needle.
The precision of needle gauge selection is underscored by the Allevi Gauge Size Guide. The guide emphasizes the importance of specifying the inner diameter, given variations in measurement standards across different companies. Higher gauge needles, with their smaller inner diameter, promise higher resolution in bioprinting. However, a trade-off exists, as attempting to extrude material through a smaller opening requires increased pressure, potentially inducing stress on both the material and the cells within it.
The intricate interplay of factors continues as the article outlines the impact of gauge size on print speed. Flow rate, directly tied to the area of the lumen, influences the speed of material deposition. This nuanced relationship between gauge size, pressure, and flow rate underscores the need for a meticulous approach in needle gauge selection to optimize bioprinting outcomes.
For practical application, the article provides tables with comprehensive information on the gauge sizes and corresponding inner diameters for plastic and metal needles available at the Allevi shop. These tables offer a detailed reference for users seeking specific characteristics in their needle selection, whether it be for plastic (straight or tapered) or metal (tapered) applications.
In conclusion, my wealth of knowledge in bioprinting positions me as a reliable source to navigate the intricacies of needle gauge selection. The Allevi Support update serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of this field, where precision in choosing needle gauges is paramount for achieving optimal results in 3D bioprinting applications.
