To spec a metal-free pump, you need two numbers before anything else: the neck finish of your bottle, such as 24/410 or 28/400, and the dosage you want per stroke, measured in cc. The neck finish decides whether the pump will physically fit and seal. The dosage decides how much product the customer gets each time they press. Get both right and the rest of the spec, from lock style to color, falls into place.
How to read a neck finish
Neck finishes are written as two numbers separated by a slash, for example 28/410. This follows a common industry standard for bottle and closure threads.
- The first number is the nominal diameter of the neck in millimeters, measured across the outside of the threads. A 28 finish is about 28mm across.
- The second number describes the thread style and the height of the finish. A 400 finish is short, with roughly one full turn of thread. A 410 finish is taller, with about one and a half turns. A 415 finish is taller again.
So a 28/400 and a 28/410 share the same diameter but have different thread heights. A closure made for one may not seal properly on the other, even though it threads on. Always match both numbers.
Some sprayers use a ratchet finish instead of a standard continuous thread. Ratchet designs include a locking feature so the closure stays in position once applied. If your bottle has a ratchet neck, choose a sprayer offered in that finish.
Common neck finishes for metal-free pumps and sprayers
The table below shows the neck finishes listed for APG's all-plastic sprayers, with typical uses. Use it as a starting point, then confirm against your bottle drawing.
| Product | Neck finishes | Dosage | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer | 20/410, 24/410, 28/410 | 0.19cc, 0.2cc (personal care); 0.5cc (household) | Facial mists, hair sprays, body sprays, room and fabric sprays |
| Infinity Trigger Sprayer | 28mm ratchet, 28/410, 28/400 | Trigger output | Household cleaners and other spray products, including e-commerce |
| Infinity Mini Trigger | 24/410, 28/410 | Trigger output | Smaller bottles, travel and spot treatments |
| All-plastic trigger sprayer pump | 28/410, 28/400 | Spray, stream or foam nozzle | Multi-purpose cleaning products |
| Passive vented all-plastic trigger | 28/410, 28/400 | Trigger output | Products where air needs to return to the bottle |
| Infinity V2 Lotion Pump (mono) | Ask us | 1.5cc | Lotions, creams, hand soaps |
| Clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump | Ask us | 3.5cc | Body wash, shampoo, conditioner |
How to measure your bottle
The most reliable source is the bottle supplier's drawing, which lists the finish. If you only have a physical sample, you can estimate the finish:
- Measure the outside diameter across the threads with calipers. This gives the first number.
- Count the thread turns from start to end, and measure the height of the threaded area. Fewer turns and a shorter neck point to a 400; more turns and a taller neck point to a 410 or 415.
- Check for a ratchet or locking feature below the threads.
- Note the inside height of the bottle. This sets the dip tube length the pump will need.
When in doubt, send us a bottle sample or drawing with your sample request so we can match the right pump.
How to choose a dosage
Dosage is the volume dispensed in one full stroke. It shapes how the customer experiences your product and how long the bottle lasts. Consider:
- Use amount. How much product does one application need? A serum may need a fraction of a cc. A body wash may need several cc.
- Strokes per use. Customers accept one or two presses for most products. If they need five, the dose is too small.
- Viscosity. Thicker formulas can need a different pump design to dispense cleanly. Test before you commit.
- Spray coverage. For mists, a small dose like 0.19cc or 0.2cc gives a light, even layer on skin or hair. A larger 0.5cc dose suits household sprays that need more coverage.
For a deeper look at mist sprayers, read our guide to metal-free fine mist sprayers.
Other spec details to settle
Lock style
Up-lock pumps lock with the actuator raised. Clip-lock pumps use a clip to hold the actuator down. Lock style affects shipping security and the first-use experience.
Dip tube length
The dip tube should reach close to the bottom of the bottle so customers can use nearly all the product. It is cut to length for your bottle.
Actuator and color
Decide on actuator style, such as ribbed or smooth, and color. Several APG pumps and sprayers can be configured in multiple color combinations.
Shipping method
If the product ships direct to consumers, choose a pump or sprayer designed for e-commerce shipping and run leak tests in your shipper.
How APG can help
APG makes all-plastic pumps and sprayers across a range of neck finishes and dosages:
- Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer, in 20/410, 24/410 and 28/410.
- Infinity Trigger Sprayer, in 28mm ratchet, 28/410 and 28/400.
- Infinity Mini Trigger, in 24/410 and 28/410.
- Infinity V2 Lotion Pump, PP mono all-plastic with a 1.5cc dose.
- Clip-lock all-plastic lotion pump, with a 3.5cc dose.
Compare the full range of our metal-free pumps and sprayers. If you are still deciding which type of pump suits your formula, start with how to choose a metal-free pump for your formula.
Common questions
Will a 28/410 pump fit a 28/400 bottle?
Not reliably. The diameter matches, but the thread height differs, so the seal may not be right. Match both numbers.
What does "cc" mean in pump dosage?
A cc is a cubic centimeter, the same volume as one milliliter. A 1.5cc pump dispenses about 1.5ml per full stroke.
Which neck sizes does the Infinity fine mist come in?
The Infinity HV Fine Mist Sprayer is listed in 20/410, 24/410 and 28/410.
Can I change dosage without changing the bottle?
Often yes, if a pump with the new dose is offered in the same neck finish. Sample it with your formula first.
Do you offer other neck sizes?
Ask us about finishes beyond those listed here, along with lead times and minimums for your project.
Have a bottle and formula ready? Request samples or a quote and include your neck finish and target dosage.