Nippon Kinzoku establishes mass production of stainless steel for insulin needles

Nippon Kinzoku Co., Ltd. has established a mass production system for thin, narrow stainless steel specifically designed for laser welding in the manufacturing of ultra-fine insulin injection needles.

The move responds to a global rise in demand for insulin needles, driven by the increasing number of diabetes patients. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation, the number of adults with diabetes is projected to reach 853 million by 2050. Additionally, the market is expanding due to the use of similar ultra-fine needles in obesity medications.

Technological shifts in needle manufacturing are moving from TIG and plasma welding toward laser welding, which allows for faster production and thinner materials. Nippon Kinzoku’s new material enables a reduction in thickness to approximately 0.08mm. The company currently holds a significant market share, accounting for approximately 57% in Japan and 55% in major overseas areas including Southeast Asia, South Korea, China, India, and the EU.