DISPENSE TIPS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

A dispense tip receives material from a material source and applies the material to a substrate. The dispense tip includes a hub having a body that defines a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end along a central axis, a passage extending through the body, an inner surface facing the passage, and at least three radial features each extending 360 degrees about the central axis and radially into the body from the inner surface. The dispense tip also includes a tube defining a central passage extending therethrough, where the tube is at least partially received within the passage such that the central passage of the tube is in fluid communication with the passage, and an adhesive is disposed between the tube and the inner surface of the hub. The adhesive is received within the at least three radial features and secures the tube to the hub.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to dispense tips for receiving a material from a material source and applying the material to a substrate, and, more particularly, to dispense tips including a hub and a tube secured to the hub with adhesive.

BACKGROUND

In many material applications, such as the application of adhesive, it is necessary to precisely apply the material to a substrate. This precise application can be performed using a dispense tip, where such dispense tips commonly include a hub configured to interface with the material source and a tube configured to allow for precise application of the material to the substrate. Conventionally, such a hub and dispense tip can be coupled to each other using various types of adhesives. As one of the hub and the tube can be comprised of metal, it is desirable that such dispense tips be reusable. In order to allow for reusability, dispense tips must be flushed with a cleaning solvent between uses so as to prevent contamination of any subsequently used adhesive. However, over time cleaning solvents can begin to damage the adhesive joining the hub and the tube, which can cause the tube and hub to prematurely separate, thus rendering the dispense tip inoperable. Additionally, the bond created by the adhesive between the hub and the tube can be inherently weak, which can lead to separation of the tub from the hub during normal dispensing operations.

As a result, there is a need for a dispense tip comprised of a hub and a tube joined by adhesive that can withstand multiple dispensing and cleaning operations.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a dispense tip configured to receive material from a material source and apply the material to a substrate. The dispense tip includes a hub having a body that defines a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end along a central axis, a passage extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, an inner surface facing the passage, and at least three radial features each extending at least partially about the central axis. The dispense tip also includes a tube defining a central passage extending therethrough, where the tube is configured to be at least partially received within the passage such that the central passage of the tube is in fluid communication with the passage of the hub, and an adhesive disposed between the tube and the inner surface of the hub, wherein the adhesive is received within the at least three radial features and is configured to secure the tube to the hub.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a dispense tip configured to receive material from a material source and apply the material to a substrate. The method includes providing a hub having a body that defines a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end along a central axis, a passage extending through the body from the proximal end to the distal end, an inner surface facing the passage, and at least three radial features each extending at least partially about the central axis. The method also includes placing a tube defining a central passage extending therethrough at least partially within the passage such that the central passage of the tube is in fluid communication with the passage of the hub, and applying an adhesive within the passage of the hub between the tube and the inner surface of the hub to secure the tube to the hub.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Described herein are dispense tips10,100,200that that include a hub20,20′,20″,20′″,120,220coupled to a tube50,150,250using adhesive. Certain terminology is used to describe the dispense tips10,100,200in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inner” and “outer” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the description along the radial direction R to describe the dispense tips10,100,200and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “axial,” and “radial” are used to describe the directional components of various components of the dispense tips10,100,200, as designated by the axial direction A and radial direction R. It should be appreciated that while the axial direction A is shown as extending along a certain plane and the radial direction R is shown in a particular orientation relative to the axial direction A, the radial direction R can extend in any direction along a plane normal to the axial direction A.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3B, a dispense tip10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The dispense tip10can be configured to receive material from a material source and apply the material to a substrate, as will be described further below. The dispense tip10can include a hub20and a tube50secured to the hub20using adhesive64, where each of the hub20, tube50, and adhesive64will be described in detail below. The hub20can comprise a body24that defines a proximal end24aand a distal end24bopposite the proximal end24aalong a central axis C1that is parallel to the axial direction A. The central axis C1can extend through the body24such that the central axis C1extends through the radial center of the body24. The hub20can be comprised of a plastic, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PEEK, etc. The hub20can also be comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel, though other metals are also contemplated. The body24can also define an outer surface28a, and an inner surface28bopposite the outer surface28aalong the radial direction R. The body24can include a thread32extending radially from the outer surface28aof the body24. The thread32can be configured to threadedly engage a material source (not shown), such as a dispensing valve, dispensing pump, dispensing reservoir such as a barrel syringe, etc. Though thread32specifically is shown, the body24can include alternative means for engaging with the material source, such as snap-fit engagement, slot and groove attachment, bayonet attachment, etc.

The body24can further include a passage36extending through the body24from the proximal end24ato the distal end24b, such that the inner surface28bfaces the passage36. The passage36can extend from an inlet38aat the proximal end24aof the body24to an outlet38dat the distal end24bof the body24. The passage36can define multiple sections, particularly a first section36aat the proximal end24aof the body24, third section36cat the distal end24bof the body24, and a second section36bthat extends from the first section36ato the third section36calong the axial direction A. The first section36aof the passage36can define a first diameter D1measured along the radial direction R, the second section36bcan define a second diameter D2measured along the radial direction R, and the third section36ccan define a third diameter D3measured along the radial direction R. As depicted, the first diameter D1is greater than the second and third diameters D2, D3, and the third diameter D3is less than the first and second diameters D1, D2. As such, the second diameter D2is less than the first and third diameters D1, D3.

A portion30of the inner surface28bthat faces the third section36cof the passage36can taper radially outwards as it extends downwards along the axial direction A. As depicted, this taper can be substantially linear along the axial direction A, such that the portion30of the inner surface28bforms a truncated cone with sides that define an angle Θ1with respect to the central axis C1. The angle Θ1can be from about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees, though other ranges for the angle Θ1are contemplated. The portion30can be tapered as such to provide space for the hub20to receive the adhesive64, as will be described further below.

The body24of the hub20can also define at least three implementations of the first radial features44and second radial features48extending radially into the body24from the inner surface28b. As such, the first radial features44and the second radial features48can be recesses that extend into the body24. Each of the first radial features44and the second radial features48can extend at least partially, such as 360 degrees, about the central axis C1and radially into the body24from the inner surface28b. Collectively, the hub20can define one, two, three, four, five, or six or more of the first radial features44and the second radial features48. The depicted hub20can include at least one implementation of the first radial feature44and at least one implementation of the second radial feature48, where each of the first radial features44and the second radial features48will be discussed in turn. In the depicted embodiment, each of the first radial features44can define a portion of a thread46that extends substantially continuously and helically along the inner surface28bof the hub20through a portion of the third section36cof the passage36. Specifically, each of the first radial features44can define a portion of the thread46that extends 360 degrees about the central axis C1. As a result, the thread46can comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine or more individual implementations of the first radial features44.

As shown inFIG. 3A, the first radial features44can have different heights along the central axis C1. For example, the height of the proximal and distal end of the first radial features44can be less than the height of the first radial features44in between the proximal and distal ends of the hub20. As such, the height of the first radial features44first increases, reaches a maximum, and then decreases from the proximal end to the distal end and from the distal end to the proximal end of the hub20.

Each of the first radial features44can have a triangular profile along a plane parallel to the central axis C1, though other profiles are contemplated. The thread46, and thus the first radial features44, can be positioned on the inner surface28bat any location within the third section36cof the inner surface28bas desired. As shown inFIG. 3B, each of the first radial features44can extend from an upper edge44adefined at the proximal end of the first radial feature44to a lower edge44bdefined at the distal end of the first radial feature44. Each of the upper edge44aand the lower edge44bcan define sharp cutouts that define the bounds of each first radial feature44and the locations at which the first radial features44extend from the inner surface28b.

The body24of the hub20can further define at least one implementation of the second radial feature48that extends along a respective plane that is normal to the central axis C1. As such, each of the second radial features48can substantially define a ring-shaped recess that extends 360 degrees about the central axis C1. Though depicted as including two of the second radial features48, the body24can define more or less than two of the second radial features48. For example, the body24can define one, two, three, or four or more implementations of the second radial features48. Further, as depicted the thread46defined by the first radial features44and at least one of the second radial features48can at least partially overlap along the axial direction A. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments each of the first radial features44can be spaced from the second radial features48along the axial direction A. As shown, the body24of the hub20can include at least one of the second radial features48that extends along a respective plane that is normal to the central axis C1, as well as at least one of the first radial features44that partially defines a thread46, which may be a continuous helical thread. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the hub20can include a plurality of only one of the first radial features44or the second radial features48.

The dispense tip10can further include a tube50configured to be at least partially received within the passage36of the hub20. The tube50can have a body54that defines a proximal end54aand a distal end54bopposite the proximal end54aalong the axial direction A. The body54can be comprised of a plastic, such as polypropylene, metal, such as stainless steel or a powdered metal, ceramic, such as zirconia toughened alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride, etc. The body54can also define an outer surface58aand an inner surface58bopposite the outer surface58aalong the radial direction R. As shown, the tube50can be substantially shaped as a cylindrical tube along its length with the exception of the distal end54b, which can taper inwards so as to define a point. However, it is contemplated that the tube50can be tapered more or less at the distal end54bin other embodiments, or can even define a completely non-tapered cylindrical tube. The tube50can define a central passage62extending therethrough from an inlet62aat the proximal end54ato an outlet62bopposite the inlet62aalong the axial direction A at the distal end54b. When the tube50is received within the passage36, particularly the third section36cof the passage36, the central passage62of the tube50is in fluid communication with the passage36of the hub20, such that when the dispense tip10is attached to a material source, the material can flow from the material source, through the inlet38aof the passage36, through the first section36aand the second section36bof the passage36, through the inlet62aof the central passage62of the tube50, through the central passage62of the tube50, and out the outlet62bof the central passage62and onto a substrate.

During assembly, the hub20and the tube50must be joined together so that the tube50does not separate from the hub20during use. To do this, adhesive64can be disposed between the outer surface58aof the tube50and the inner surface28bof the hub20to secure the tube50to the hub20. The adhesive64can be a two-part epoxy, though other types of adhesives are contemplated. In previous dispense tip embodiments, the bond between the hub and the tube created by the adhesive can weaken over time, leading to material leaking out of the dispense tip or the tube completely separating from the hub. However, in the dispense tip10, the presence of the first radial features44and the second radial features48can strengthen the ability of the adhesive64to bond the hub20to the tube50. Specifically, when the adhesive64is disposed between the tube50and the hub20, the adhesive is received within each of the first radial features44and the second radial features48. This allows the adhesive64to create a stronger grip with the hub20, thus creating a stronger bond between the tube50and the hub20. Over time, dispense tips10including the first radial features44and the second radial features48are able to withstand greater relative loads applied to one of the hub20and the tube50and undergo a greater number of cleaning cycles without the bond between the hub20and the tube50weakening or completely failing.

Now referring toFIG. 3C, another embodiment of a hub20′ that can comprise part of the dispense tip10will be described. As many features of the hub20′ are similar to that of the hub20, such features will be identically labelled in the drawings and not described here for brevity. Like the hub20, the hub20′ can define at least three first and second radial features44,48extending radially into the body24from the inner surface28b. However, the hub20′ can define only one of the second radial features48, while still defining a plurality of the first radial features44that comprise a continuous helical thread46. Additionally, the hub20′ can define a protrusion66extending into the passage36from the inner surface38bof the hub20′. The protrusion66can be positioned within the third section36cof the passage36between the proximal end24aof the body and the first and second radial features44,48along the axial direction A. Specifically, the protrusion66is positioned distal to the second section36bof the passage36and the inlet62aof the tube50. The protrusion66can extend along the inner surface28bat least 360 degrees about the central axis C1. The protrusion66can define a cross-sectional profile along a plane that is parallel to the central axis C1that is substantially triangular. However, the protrusion66can define differently shaped profiles as desired.

In the hub20′, the protrusion66can define a helical thread that extends along the inner surface28bof the body24. As such, the protrusion66can extend more than 360 degrees about the central axis C1. For example, the protrusion66can extend at least 450 degrees along the inner surface28babout the central axis C1, at least 540 degrees, at least 630 degrees, at least 720 degrees, etc. During the assembly of a dispense tip, when adhesive is disposed between the tube and the hub, the adhesive can collect and harden in the vicinity of the inlet of the tube, thus creating an obstruction to the flow of material from the hub and into the tube. The presence of the protrusion66can limit the upward movement of the adhesive64between the tube50and the hub20′ while ventilating trapped air, thus preventing adhesive64from reaching the inlet62aof the tube50and affecting the flow of material through from the hub20′ to the tube50in any capacity.

Now referring toFIG. 3D, another embodiment of a hub20″ that can comprise part of the dispense tip10will be described. As many features of the hub20″ are similar to that of the hubs20,20′, such features will be identically labelled in the drawings and not described here for brevity. Like the hubs20,20′, the hub20″ can define at least three implementations of the first radial features44′ and second radial features48extending radially into the body24from the inner surface28b. Like the hub20′, the hub20″ can define only one of the second radial features48, while still defining a plurality of the first radial features44′ that comprise a continuous helical thread46′. However, unlike the hubs20,20′, each of the first radial features44′ of the hub20″ can have a trapezoidal profile along a plane parallel to the central axis C1. As such, the thread46′ can comprise a trapezoidal thread such as an ACME thread, though the thread46′ can comprise other types of trapezoidal threads as desired.

Referring toFIG. 3E, a further embodiment of a hub20′″ that can comprise part of the dispense tip10will be described. As many features of the hub20′″ are similar to that of the hubs20,20′,20″, such features will be identically labeled in the drawings and not described here for brevity. Unlike the hubs20,20′,20″, the hub20′″ can include at least three of the second radial features48. As described previously, each of the second radial features48can extend along a respective plane that is normal to the central axis C1. As such, each of the second radial features48can substantially define a ring-shaped recess that extends 360 degrees about the central axis C1. The hub20′″ is depicted as including five second radial features48. However, in other embodiments the hub20′″ can include one, two, three, four, six, seven, or eight or more of the second radial features48.

Unlike the hubs20,20′,20″, the hub20′″ can define at least one implementation of a groove70that extends radially into the body24from the inner surface28band along the axial direction A. The grooves70can extend from one of the second radial features48to another of the second radial features48. In the depicted embodiment of hub20′″, the hub20′″ includes two grooves70, each of which can extend from one of the second radial features48to another of the second radial features48. As shown, the groove70can have a substantially rectangular profile, and can extend substantially along the axial direction A. However, it is contemplated that the groove70can extend in other directions and have differently shaped profiles. Further, the hub20′″ can include more or less than two grooves70, each extending between different combinations of the second radial features48, or include some of the grooves70extending between the same implementation of the second radial features48. When assembling the dispense tip10, the adhesive64is applied within the passage36after the tube50has been at least partially received within the passage36. In certain instances it can be difficult to ensure that adhesive64fills the entirety of the remaining space along the axial direction A within the passage36and engages each of the first radial features44,44′, and the same second radial features48. The inclusion of the groove70can help ease flow of the adhesive64between each of the second radial features48. Though shown solely as defined with respect to the second radial features48, the grooves70can extend between two of any of the first radial features44,44′ or second radial features48.

The hub20′″ can also define a protrusion66′ extending into the passage36from the inner surface38bof the hub20′″. Like the protrusion66, the protrusion66′ can be positioned within the third section36cof the passage36and can extend along the inner surface28bat least 360 degrees about the central axis C1. Further, the protrusion66′ can define a cross-sectional profile along a plane that is parallel to the central axis C1that is substantially triangular. However, the protrusion66′ can define differently shaped profiles as desired. Unlike the protrusion66, the protrusion66′ of the hub20′″ can extend along a plane that is normal to the central axis C1. As such, the protrusion66′ can have a substantially ring-like shape. Further, though one protrusion66′ is shown, the hub20′″ can include more protrusions66′ in other embodiments. The hub20′″ can further define at least one implementation of a groove74that extends through the protrusion66′ and along the axial direction A. In the depicted embodiment of hub20′″, the hub20′″ includes two grooves74, each of which can extend through the protrusion66′ along the axial direction A. The two grooves74are shown as positioned on substantially opposite sides of the passage36, though other positions for the grooves74are contemplated. Further, the hub20′″ can include more or less than two grooves74, such as one, two, three, four, or five or more grooves74. While the protrusion66′ can function to prevent adhesive from flowing near the inlet62aof the tube50, the grooves74extending through the protrusion66′ can allow air to escape from below the protrusion66′ when the tube50or the adhesive64is being disposed within the passage36. This prevents air from being entrapped between the tube50and the hub20′″ or within the adhesive64, thus allowing for a more secure engagement between the hub20′″ and the tube50.

Now referring toFIGS. 4-6, a dispense tip100according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be discussed. The dispense tip100can be configured to receive material from a material source and apply the material to a substrate, as will be described further below. The dispense tip100can include a hub120and a tube150secured to the hub120using adhesive164, where each of the hub120, tube150, and adhesive164will be described in detail below. The hub120can comprise a body124that defines a proximal end124aand a distal end124bopposite the proximal end124aalong a central axis C2that is parallel to the axial direction A. The central axis C2can extend through the body124such that the central axis C2extends through the radial center of the body124. The hub120can be comprised of a plastic, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PEEK, etc. The hub120can also be comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel, though other metals are also contemplated. The body124can also define an outer surface128a, and an inner surface128bopposite the outer surface128aalong the radial direction R. The body124can include a thread132extending radially from the outer surface128aof the body124. The thread132can be configured to threadedly engage a material source, such as a dispensing valve, dispensing pump, dispensing reservoir such as a barrel syringe, etc. Though thread132specifically is shown, the body124can include alternative means for engaging with a material source (not shown), such as snap-fit engagement, slot and groove attachment, bayonet attachment, etc.

The body124can further include a passage136extending through the body124from the proximal end124ato the distal end124b, such that the inner surface128bfaces the passage136. The passage136can extend from an inlet138aat the proximal end124aof the body124to an outlet at the distal end124bof the body124. The passage136can define multiple sections, particularly a first section136aat the proximal end124aof the body124, third section136cat the distal end124bof the body124, and a second section136bthat extends from the first section136ato the third section136calong the axial direction A.

A portion130of the inner surface128bthat faces the third section136cof the passage136can taper radially outwards as it extends downwards along the axial direction A. As depicted, this taper can be substantially linear along the axial direction A, such that the portion130of the inner surface138bforms a truncated cone with sides that define an angle Θ2with respect to the central axis C2. The angle Θ2can be 5 degrees to 15 degrees, though other ranges for the angle Θ2are contemplated. The portion130can be tapered as such to provide space for the hub120to receive the adhesive164, as will be described further below.

The body124of the hub120can also define two implementations of the radial features144extending radially into the body124from the inner surface128b. As such, the radial features144can be recesses that extend into the body24. Each of the radial features144can extend 360 degrees about the central axis C2and radially into the body124from the inner surface128b. Each of the radial features144can substantially define a ring-shaped recess that extends 360 degrees about the central axis C2. Though depicted as including two of the radial features144, the body124can define more or less than two of the radial features144. For example, the body124can define one, two, three, or four or more radial features144. As shown, the body124of the hub120can include at least one of the radial features144that extends along a respective plane that is normal to the central axis C2.

The dispense tip100can further include a tube150configured to be at least partially received within the passage136of the hub120. The tube150can have a body154that defines a proximal end154aand a distal end154bopposite the proximal end154aalong the axial direction A. The body154can be comprised of a plastic, such as polypropylene, metal, such as stainless steel or a powdered metal, ceramic, such as zirconia toughened alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride, etc. The body154can also define an outer surface158aand an inner surface158bopposite the outer surface158aalong the radial direction R. As shown, the tube150can be substantially shaped as a cylindrical tube along its length with the exception of the distal end154b, which can taper inwards so as to define a point. However, it is contemplated that the tube150can be tapered more or less at the distal end154bin other embodiments, or can even define a completely non-tapered cylindrical tube. The tube150can define a central passage162extending therethrough from an inlet162ato an outlet162bopposite the inlet162aalong the axial direction A. When the tube150is received within the passage136, particularly the third section136cof the passage136, the central passage162of the tube150is in fluid communication with the passage136of the hub120, such that when the dispense tip100is attached to a material source, the material can flow from the material source, through the inlet138aof the passage136, through the first section136aand the second section136bof the passage136, through the inlet162aof the central passage162, through the central passage162of the tube150, and out the outlet162bof the central passage162and onto a substrate.

During assembly, the hub120and the tube150must be joined together so that the tube150does not separate from the hub120during use. To do this, adhesive164can be disposed between the tube150and the inner surface128bof the hub120to secure the tube150to the hub120. The adhesive164can be a two-part epoxy, though other types of adhesives are contemplated, etc. In previous dispense tip embodiments, the bond between the hub and the tube created by the adhesive can weaken over time, leading material leaking out of the dispense tip or the tube completely separating from the hub. However, in the dispense tip100, the presence of the radial feature144can strengthen the ability of the adhesive164to bond the hub120to the tube150. Specifically, when the adhesive164is disposed between the tube150and the hub120, the adhesive is received within the radial features144. This allows the adhesive164to create a stronger grip with the hub120, thus creating a stronger bond between the tube150and the hub120. Over time, dispense tips100including the radial features144are able to withstand greater relative loads applied to one of the hub120and the tube150and undergo a greater number of cleaning cycles without the bond between the hub120and the tube150weakening or completely failing.

In addition to the adhesive164, the dispense tip10can include a projection148and groove166configured to secure the hub120to the tube150. The projection148can extend radially inwards from the inner surface128bof the hub120and can have a substantially hemispherical cross-sectional profile along a plane parallel to the central axis C2. The projection148in the depicted embodiment extends substantially around the entirety of the circumference of the inner surface128b, though in other embodiments it is contemplated that the projection148can extend around only a portion of the inner surface128b. The tube150can define a groove166that extends radially inward from the outer surface158aof the tube150that is configured to receive and engage the projection148of the hub120. When the groove166receives the projection148, the tube150can be axially locked relative to the hub120. Though one groove166and one projection148are shown, the dispense tip100can include more than one groove166, as well as more than one corresponding implementation of the projection148.

Now referring toFIGS. 7-9a dispense tip200according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The dispense tip200can be configured to receive material from a material source and apply the material to a substrate, as will be described further below. The dispense tip200can include a hub220and a tube250secured to the hub220, where each of the hub220and the tube250will be described in detail below. The hub220can comprise a body224that defines a proximal end224aand a distal end224bopposite the proximal end224aalong a central axis C3that is parallel to the axial direction A. The central axis C3can extend through the body224such that the central axis C3extends through the radial center of the body224. The hub220can comprise a plastic, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PEEK, etc. The hub20can also be comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel, though other metals are also contemplated. The body224can also define an outer surface228a, and an inner surface228bopposite the outer surface228aalong the radial direction R. The body224can include a thread232extending radially from the outer surface228aof the body224. The thread232can be configured to threadedly engage a material source, such as dispensing valve, dispensing pump, dispensing reservoir such as a barrel syringe, etc. Though thread232specifically is shown, the body224can include alternative means for engaging with a material source (not shown), such as snap-fit engagement, slot and groove attachment, bayonet attachment, etc.

The body224can further include a passage236extending through the body224from the proximal end224ato the distal end224b, such that the inner surface228bfaces the passage236. The passage236can extend from an inlet238aat the proximal end224aof the body224to an outlet238bat the distal end224bof the body224. The passage236can define multiple sections, particularly a first section236aat the proximal end224aof the body224, third section236cat the distal end224bof the body224, and a second section236bthat extends from the first section236ato the third section236calong the axial direction A.

The dispense tip200can further include a tube250configured to be at least partially received within the passage236of the hub220. The tube250can have a body254that defines a proximal end254aand a distal end254bopposite the proximal end254aalong the axial direction A. The body254can be comprised of a plastic, such as polypropylene, metal, such as stainless steel or a powdered metal, ceramic, such as zirconia toughened alumina, zirconia, silicon nitride, etc. The body254can also define an outer surface258aand an inner surface258bopposite the outer surface258aalong the radial direction R. As shown, the tube250can be substantially shaped as a cylindrical tube along its length with the exception of the distal end254b, which can taper inwards so as to define a point. However, it is contemplated that the tube250can be tapered more or less at the distal end254bin other embodiments, or can even define a completely non-tapered cylindrical tube. The tube250can define a central passage262extending therethrough from an inlet262ato an outlet262bopposite the inlet262aalong the axial direction A. When the tube250is received within the passage236, particularly the third section236cof the passage236, the central passage262of the tube250is in fluid communication with the passage236of the hub220, such that when the dispense tip200is attached to a material source, the material can flow from the material source, through the inlet238aof the passage236, through the first section236aand the second section236bof the passage236, through the inlet262aof the central passage262, through the central passage262of the tube250, and out the outlet262bof the central passage262and onto a substrate.

During production, the hub220and the tube250must be joined together so that the tube250does not separate from the hub220during use. Unlike the dispense tips10,100, the dispense tip200does not utilize any adhesive. Instead, the dispense tip10can include a plurality of radial features244and grooves266that are configured to secure the tube250to the hub220. Specifically, a plurality of radial features244can extend radially inwards from the inner surface228bof the body224. As such, the radial features244can be projections that extend from the body224. Each of the radial features244can substantially define a rectangular projection, though other shapes are contemplated. The radial features244can be staggered radially and axially along the inner surface228bof the body224, such that a particular arrangement of the radial features244is defined on the inner surface228b. The body224can define two, three, four, five, six, or seven or more of the radial features244as desired. Each of the radial features244can engage a corresponding implementation of the groove266defined on the outer surface258aof the tube250. Each groove266can define a substantially rectangular shape that corresponds to the shape of the radial features244. Further, the tube250can define any number of grooves266, though the number of grooves266will generally correspond to the number of radial features244defined by the hub220. To produce the dispense tip200, after formation of the tube250the hub220can be injection molded about the tube250so as to form the radial features244within the grooves266, which axially secures the hub220to the tube250.

Now referring toFIG. 10, a method300of manufacturing the dispense tip10discussed above will be described. As stated previously, the dispense tip10can be configured to receive material from a material source and apply the material to a substrate. In step302, method300can begin by injection molding a hub20,20′,20″,20′″. The method300can also include step306, which includes machining the hub20,20′,20″,20′″ to form the at least three implementations of the radial features44,44′,48. Then, step310can include providing the hub20,20′,20″,20′″ having a body24that defines a proximal end24a, a distal end24bopposite the proximal end24aalong the central axis C1, a passage36extending through the body24from the proximal end24ato the distal end24b, an inner surface28bfacing the passage36, and at least three implementations of the radial features44,44′,48extending 360 degrees about the central axis C1and radially into the body24from the inner surface28b. Then, in step314, method300can include placing a tube50defining a central passage62that extends therethrough at least partially within the passage36of the hub20,20′,20″,20′″ such that the central passage62is in fluid communication with the passage36. Method300can further include step318, which includes applying the adhesive64within the passage36of the hub20,20′,20″,20′″ between the tube50and the inner surface28bof the hub20,20′,20″,20′″ to secure the tube50to the hub20,20′,20″,20′″.