stainless steel 316L etched needle
At TMN Metal Parts Fabrication, we specialize in the photo chemical etching of ultra-precise components, including etched needles made from stainless steel 316L. Engineered for industries that demand high corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and micro-precision, our 316L etched needles are ideal for medical devices, fluid control systems, and micro-mechanical applications.
What Are Etched Needles?
Etched needles are ultra-fine, sharp-edged components produced through a chemical etching process, allowing for incredibly accurate tip profiles and consistent geometries. Unlike traditional machining or stamping, photo etching creates burr-free, distortion-free needles that meet stringent performance standards with unmatched precision.
At TMN, we produce custom needle designs according to your technical drawings or design requirements—tailored for applications requiring small-scale, high-tolerance parts.
Why Use 316L Stainless Steel?
316L stainless steel is a low-carbon, molybdenum-enhanced austenitic stainless steel known for:
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Resists acids, chlorides, and salt environments.
- Biocompatibility: Suitable for medical and pharmaceutical use.
- Mechanical Strength: High durability even in micro-sized components.
- Weldability & Formability: Suitable for secondary forming or joining processes.
- Clean Surface Finish: Ideal for sterilization and high-purity environments.
These characteristics make 316L the preferred choice for etched needles in high-performance and critical industries.
Key Features of TMN 316L Etched Needles
- Tolerances as tight as ±0.01 mm
- Consistent tip sharpness and edge definition
- Custom sizes and profiles
- Burr-free and stress-free finish
- No mechanical distortion or warping
- Rapid prototyping and scalable production
Industries We Serve
Our 316L stainless steel etched needles are engineered for industries that demand accuracy and performance at the micro-scale:
Medical & Life Sciences
Used in surgical instruments, diagnostic probes, sample collection systems, and drug delivery devices. Biocompatibility and precision are critical here—316L is the industry standard.
Fluid Dispensing & Microfluidics
Etched needles are widely used in inkjet printers, microfluidic chips, chemical analyzers, and lab-on-chip systems for precise fluid control.
Industrial Automation
Perfect for use in micro-nozzles, calibration tools, and robotic precision handling devices, especially in cleanroom or corrosive environments.
Electronics & Semiconductor
Used in probe cards, testing pins, and IC handlers—where accuracy and conductivity are vital in confined spaces.
Our Manufacturing Process
At TMN, we use photo chemical etching to produce each needle to exacting standards. The process includes:
1. Design & Tooling
You provide the technical drawing or specs—we convert it into a digital photo mask.
2. Material Preparation
High-purity 316L stainless steel sheets are cleaned and coated with a photoresist layer.
3. UV Exposure
The photo mask is aligned and exposed to UV light, defining the needle geometry on the sheet.
4. Chemical Etching
Exposed areas are chemically etched with precise control to produce the needle profile and tip.
5. Cleaning & Finishing
Needles are stripped of resist, ultrasonically cleaned, and optionally polished or passivated.
6. Inspection & Quality Control
All components undergo rigorous dimensional checks and visual inspection under magnification.
Available Customizations
- Tip Geometry: Sharp, blunt, beveled, or custom shapes
- Thickness Range: 0.01 mm to 0.6 mm
- Length: Custom lengths based on application
- Etching on Both Sides (if required)
- Surface Finishing: Polishing, passivation, or cleaning
- Packaging Options: Sterile or cleanroom packing available on request
Benefits of Photo Etching vs Traditional Methods
| Feature | Photo Etching | Laser Cutting / CNC |
| Burr-Free Finish | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often Requires Deburring |
| Distortion-Free | ✅ Yes | ❌ Heat-Affected Zones |
| Cost for Prototypes | ✅ Low | ❌ High |
| Complex Designs | ✅ Easily Achieved | ❌ More Complex |
| Scalability | ✅ Short to Medium Runs | ✅ Suitable for Mass Production |
Why Choose TMN?
- ISO-Aligned Quality System
- Fast Prototyping
- Experienced in Complex Micro Parts
- Trusted by Medical & High-Tech OEMs
- Responsive Technical Support
At TMN Metal Parts Fabrication, precision is not just a goal—it's our standard.
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Need stainless steel 316L etched needles for your project? Whether it’s a one-off prototype or a full production batch, our team is ready to help.
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