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 [email protected]!