Dispensing Barrels

What is dispensing barrel?

The dispensing barrel—also called a syringe barrel or cartridge barrel—is a cylindrical container used to hold and accurately dispense fluids such as adhesives, sealants, lubricants, inks, and solder pastes. It is commonly used in industrial manufacturing, electronics assembly, and DIY applications where controlled and repeatable fluid dispensing is required.

What is the 1k and 2k in dispensing barrels?

In dispensing systems, 1K and 2K refer to the number of components in the adhesive or fluid being dispensed:

🟢 1K (Single-Component) Dispensing Barrels

  • “1K” stands for 1 Komponent (Component).
  • Used for single-part adhesives or sealants like silicone, polyurethane, UV adhesives, greases, or pastes.
  • No mixing required.
  • The barrel contains only one fluid and is ready for direct dispensing.
🔵 2K (Two-Component) Dispensing Barrels

  • “2K” stands for 2 Komponenten (Components).
  • Used for two-part materials that require mixing before application, such as epoxies, MMA, and two-part polyurethanes or silicones.
  • Has two separate chambers inside the barrel for Part A and Part B, often in ratios like 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, or 10:1.
  • Requires a static or dynamic mixing nozzle to mix the components during dispensing.
🔧 Summary Table

Term Full Name Components Requires Mixing Typical Use
1K One-Component 1 ❌ No Silicone, grease, UV glue
2K Two-Component 2 ✅ Yes Epoxy, 2-part PU, MMA
What’s the difference between clear, amber, and black barrels?

The difference between clear, amber, and black dispensing syringe barrels lies mainly in their light-blocking capabilities, which are critical for protecting light-sensitive adhesives or fluids. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Clear Barrels

  • Transparency: Fully transparent
  • Use Case: For non-light-sensitive fluids where fluid visibility is needed
  • Advantages: Easy monitoring of fluid level and air bubbles
  • Typical Fluids: Epoxy, silicone, standard adhesives and sealants
2. Amber Barrels

  • Transparency: Semi-transparent (orange/brown tint)
  • Use Case: Protects against UV and blue light up to ~520 nm
  • Advantages: Light protection with some visibility
  • Typical Fluids: UV-sensitive adhesives, UV-cure resins, etc.
3. Black Barrels

  • Transparency: Completely opaque
  • Use Case: Maximum protection for highly light-sensitive materials
  • Advantages: Full light blocking
  • Disadvantages: No visibility of fluid level
  • Typical Fluids: Highly UV-sensitive adhesives and resins

Summary Table:

Barrel Color Light Protection Visibility Ideal For
Clear None High Non-light-sensitive adhesives
Amber UV/blue light up to ~520 nm Medium Moderately light-sensitive materials
Black Full light blocking None Highly light-sensitive adhesives/resins
Can dispensing barrels be reused?

Dispensing barrels can sometimes be reused, but only under specific conditions. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

✅ When Reuse Is Possible

  • For non-curing, easy-to-clean fluids (e.g., oils, greases, water-based adhesives).
  • When using manual cleaning methods or ultrasonic cleaning machines.
  • If the barrel material (usually polypropylene) remains undamaged and uncontaminated.
  • If cross-contamination is not a concern (e.g., same material batch or for non-critical applications).
❌ When Reuse Is Not Recommended

  • With curing adhesives (e.g., epoxies, silicones, UV-cured resins) – residues can harden and block or damage the barrel.
  • In industrial settings that require strict quality control or cleanliness (e.g., electronics or medical manufacturing).
  • If chemical compatibility with cleaning agents is an issue (some solvents can degrade the barrel).
  • When using static-sensitive or light-sensitive materials – reuse may compromise protection.
⚠️ Risks of Reusing Dispensing Barrels

  • Contamination
  • Degraded accuracy
  • Possible chemical reactions or curing inside the barrel
  • Loss of material integrity (cracks, discoloration, weakened walls)