Hub colors are not standardized across manufacturers, so this guide explains Component Supply’s color system and how to verify gauge sizes accurately.
Are dispensing needle colors standardized?
When selecting blunt dispensing needles, hub color is often the quickest way to identify gauge size. It’s a helpful visual cue, but here’s the catch: hub colors are not standardized across suppliers or manufacturers. If you source dispensing needles from multiple vendors, these inconsistencies can get frustrating fast.
That’s why, at Component Supply, we’ve put together this blog post to clearly outline our hub color-coding system, so you always know exactly what to expect. And if our colors ever change, don’t worry! We’ll update this guide and make sure you’re the first to know.
Is there a universal needle hub color code?
While there is an ISO color-coding system (ISO 6009), it only applies to single-use hypodermic needles in the medical device industry. For example, a 22-gauge needle should have a black hub, and an 18-gauge needle should have a pink hub if the needle is for a hypodermic “beneath the skin” application.
However, this ISO standard doesn’t necessarily apply to industrial, laboratory, or even medical dispensing needles. In other words, if it’s not being used to inject or withdraw fluids from the body, it’s not required to follow the ISO 6009 standard. So, for applications where a tip or dispensing needle is used to dispense substances, manufacturers have freedom to develop their own color-coding system. We don’t like it either, but we’re here to help.
Fun Fact: Hypodermic means “beneath the skin,” but hypodermic tubing can be used for other applications, including fluid and gas delivery, irrigation and suction, pull wires, and more. Component Supply’s standard needles are intended for precise dispensing.
What Colors Does Component Supply Use For Gauge Sizes?
While Component Supply offers our own color system, we always encourage verifying gauge sizes by tubing specifications, not color.
Below is a general guide for hub colors used for our stock blunt dispensing needles. This reference applies to the straight and bent needles.
14 Gauge: White
15 Gauge: Brown
16 Gauge: Black
18 Gauge: Dark Green
19 Gauge: Light Green
20 Gauge: Pink
21 Gauge: Purple
22 Gauge: Light Blue
23 Gauge: Orange
25 Gauge: Red
27 Gauge: Light Grey
30 Gauge: Light Purple
32 Gauge: Yellow
What materials are dispensing needles made from?
Each needle is made from regular wall hypodermic 304 stainless steel and a polypropylene hub. For customers who need dimensional data, including inside and outside diameters, you can reference our Hypodermic Tubing Specifications Chart (PDF).
Are There Custom Options for Dispensing Needles at Component Supply
Yes! Component Supply offers custom needles to meet customer-specific requirements. Our custom capabilities include:
You can request a rapid custom quote here or email your specs and/or drawing to parts@componentsupplycompany.com
Where Can I Buy Dispensing Needles?
Component Supply offers a comprehensive stock of straight dispensing needles in various lengths as well as needles with 90- or 45-degree bends. Custom needles are available upon request.
🌐 Shop Straight Needles: https://www.componentsupplycompany.com/stainless-blunt-needles/
🌐 Shop Bent Needles: https://www.componentsupplycompany.com/bent-blunt-needles/
📧 Email: parts@componentsupplycompany.com
📞 Phone: 931-761-4000
Summary: Needle hub colors vary across manufacturers, but Component Supply provides a consistent color system. Always verify gauge size with tubing specs, and explore custom options when needed.
