Glossary
Original editorial content, made for people who want to understand before they buy.
Cartridge
A cartridge is a pre-assembled needle housed in a container that includes the tip, the membrane and the system that attaches it to the machine. It is supplied sterile and single-use, and is distinguished by configuration, gauge, count and taper type.
Needle Configuration
The configuration describes how the needle's points are arranged: in a circle (liner and shader), in a flat row (flat) or in several rows (magnum). In a needle code such as 1207RL, «12» is the gauge, «07» the number of points and «RL» the configuration (Round Liner).
Round Liner (RL)
The Round Liner is a configuration in which the points are soldered in a circle, in a tight group. It is generally indicated with the code RL and the number of points (for example 3RL, 7RL).
Round Shader (RS)
The Round Shader is a configuration in which the points are arranged in a circle but with a wider spacing than the Round Liner. It is generally indicated with the code RS and the number of points.
Magnum (M1)
The Magnum is a configuration with points arranged in two staggered (interleaved, «weaved») rows, generally indicated as M1 or simply Magnum. The variant with stacked rows is often called M2. Definitions can vary between manufacturers.
Curved Magnum (RM)
The Curved Magnum, or Round Magnum (RM), is a magnum configuration in which the row of points is arranged in an arc rather than a straight line. It is generally indicated with the code RM followed by the number of points.
Flat
The Flat is a configuration with the points aligned in a single straight row, soldered on the same plane. It is generally indicated with the code F or FL and the number of points.
Taper
The taper is the length of the conical section at the needle's tip, that is, the part that narrows to the point of contact. Manufacturers classify it into categories such as short, medium, long and extra long, but the measurements in millimetres are not the same for everyone.
Diameter / Gauge
The gauge indicates the diameter of each individual point. In needle codes it is expressed as a number: the most common values are 08 (about 0.25 mm), 10 (about 0.30 mm) and 12 (about 0.35 mm). The correspondence is an industry convention, not a standard.
Membrane
The membrane is the rubber or silicone element found in many cartridges that separates the needle from the part of the machine that moves it. It serves to limit the return of liquids towards the machine (backflow) and, according to manufacturers, can influence the needle's return and the give.
Needle Depth
Needle depth indicates how far the needle's tip protrudes from the cartridge's tip during work, and is linked to the depth at which the needle reaches the skin. In the industry it is also used to mean the protrusion adjustment on systems that allow it.
Needle Hang
Needle hang indicates the portion of needle that extends beyond the cartridge's tip, that is, the part visible outside the housing. It is often used as a synonym of needle depth, but some distinguish them: it is worth checking how the manufacturer defines it.