Medical Grade Stainless Steel

1. Surgical Stainless Steel

Used for manufacturing surgical instruments, requiring high strength, corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and good machinability.

Common suitable stainless steel grades:

• 316: Contains 2-3% molybdenum, improving pitting and crevice corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride environments. It is suitable for long-term implants in the human body.
  
  
• 316L: Similar to 316 but with lower carbon content (less than 0.03%), reducing the risk of carbide precipitation and improving corrosion resistance at welded joints.

2. Dental Stainless Steel

Used for dental tools and implants, requiring wear resistance, corrosion resistance, strong biocompatibility, high strength, and maintaining appearance after prolonged use in the oral cavity.

Common suitable stainless steel grades:

• 304: Contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, with good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, often used in dental instruments and tools.
  
  
• 304L: Similar to 304 but with lower carbon content, reducing the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, making it more suitable for welded dental instruments.
  
  
• 420J1 and 420J2:High carbon martensitic stainless steels with high hardness and wear resistance, used for sharp dental instruments like scalpels and scissors.

3. Medical Instrument Stainless Steel

Used for precision medical instruments, requiring high strength and toughness, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, high-temperature sterilization, and good machinability.

Common suitable stainless steel grades:

• 321: Adds titanium to 316 series, improving high-temperature resistance. It also has good corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, meeting the requirements for medical-grade materials. Its excellent mechanical properties ensure that equipment made from 321 can withstand various stresses in high-temperature environments.

• 410: High carbon martensitic stainless steel with high strength and moderate corrosion resistance, suitable for surgical instruments.
  
  
• 410S: Similar to 410 but with lower carbon content, improving weldability and reducing the risk of hardening and cracking during welding.
  
  
• 420J1 and 420J2: Used for medical instruments requiring high hardness and wear resistance, such as surgical knives and scissors.

4. Cardiovascular Stainless Steel

Used for cardiovascular stents and devices, requiring biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, high strength and toughness, and precision manufacturing.

Common suitable stainless steel grades:

• 316LVM (Vacuum Melted 316L): This grade is a standard material for cardiovascular devices. Vacuum melting improves material purity and consistency, enhancing biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in cardiovascular implants like stents and catheters.

5. Biomedical Stainless Steel

Used for various implants and medical devices, requiring high biocompatibility, strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and good machinability and formability.

Common suitable stainless steel grades:

• 2205 (F60, F51): Duplex stainless steel with 22% chromium and 5% nickel, and molybdenum, offering excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, particularly in chloride environments. Used for biomedical devices and implants.
  
  
• 2207: Super duplex stainless steel with higher chromium, nickel, and molybdenum content than 2205, providing better corrosion resistance and strength, suitable for more demanding biomedical environments.