How are needles manufactured?

Needles are manufactured through a multi-step process that involves shaping metal rods, refining the edges, and assembling the final product.

Needle Manufacturing Process

Here's a breakdown of the needle manufacturing process, based on the provided reference:

1. Cannula Cutting: The cannula (the hollow needle shaft) is cut to the specified length.

2. Hub Attachment: The cut cannula is then glued and inserted into the hub (the plastic or metal part that connects the needle to a syringe or other device).

3. Grinding and Shaping: Needles are ground from metal rods. This process shapes the point of the needle to the required sharpness and angle.

4. Burr Removal: After grinding, the needles are refined to remove any burrs (small, sharp pieces of metal) on the rims and cutting edges. This step is crucial for patient safety and comfort during injections or other medical procedures.

   • Importance of Burr Removal: Ensuring a smooth needle surface minimizes tissue damage and reduces pain during use.

The following table summarizes the key steps in needle manufacturing:

Step	Description	Importance
Cannula Cutting	Cutting the hollow needle shaft (cannula) to the desired length.	Ensures correct needle size.
Hub Attachment	Gluing and inserting the cannula into the hub.	Connects needle to syringe or device.
Grinding	Shaping the needle point from metal rods.	Creates the sharp point for penetration.
Burr Removal	Refining the needle to remove any sharp, jagged edges.	Patient safety and comfort.