Electron Beam and Ion-Plasma Treatment of Pain-Less Syringe Needle

The technology for medical needle deburring and sharpening in mass-scale production was developed. The technology is based on the combined application of the high current microsecond electron beam irradiation and the ion sputtering in the low pressure glow discharge plasma with hollow cathode. As a result of the electron beam irradiation deburring and surface smoothening occur. Shape modification and sharpening of the needle occur after following ion plasma sputtering. The needle shape modification was examined with scanning electron microscope. The injection of the needle into the human body was simulated by penetration into the 55 um plastic film. For the certain types of the needle, the penetration force reduced from 0.4N down to 0.2N. The technology makes currently used electropolishing and silicone oil treatment unnecessary.