Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials in the manufacture of medical devices. The application of stainless steel in medical devices started in the 1900s for surgical practices. The first evidence of the use of stainless steel alloy in the medical field dates back to the mid 1920s, when it was introduced as a material to manufacture wires. Since then it has gained popularity among surgeons and its further development has led to its widespread use in various ortho and surgical applications. We, at Vishwa Stainless Pvt. Ltd., manufacture surgical and medical stainless steel in the form of bars and rods.
There are multiple forms of stainless steel for its application in ortho and surgical applications. Addition of 16% chromium to stainless steel, makes it corrosion resistant and nickel reduces brittleness, making it perfect for medical applications. The addition of nickel (7%) to stainless steel also helps stabilize the austenite to stainless steel provides an extremely smooth and polishable surface – fine details required for machining precision. Sometimes molybdenum is added which provides hardness after forming and is great for sharp cutting edges like for a scalpel. The most common types of surgical steels are 302 and the austenitic 316L (non-hardenable). In some cases, Titanium may be used as a substitute for stainless steel. Often, Stainless steel is used for temporary implants and the more expensive, titanium may be used for permanent implants.
Type 316L stainless steel is popular for surgical practices as it is not susceptible to corrosion when in direct contact with the tissues of the human body hence preventing the chances of infection. Archwires, brackets, bands, ligatures, tubes, among other appliances, are manufactured using different types of this alloy.
Stainless Steel 302 is regarded as one of the most suitable materials for the manufacture of medical devices for all sorts of applications. It is the most common stainless steel used in the world today. No other grade of stainless steel comes in so many forms, finishes and with such diverse applications. Stainless steel type 302 offers unique material characteristics at a competitive price point, thus making it the logical choice for medical device specification. The reassurance that medical devices won’t chemically react with bodily tissue, cleaning products used to sterilize and the hard, repetitive wear that many medical devices are subjected to, means that stainless steel 302 is the perfect material for hospitals, surgeries and paramedic applications etc. Stainless steel 302 is perfect for the manufacture of bowls, sinks, pans and a range of different medical vessels and hollowware.
Stainless steel is widely used in all sorts of industrial and domestic applications. Within the medical industry, it is used where high corrosion resistance, good formability, strength, manufacturing precision, reliability and hygiene is of particular importance. Advantages of using stainless steel in ortho and surgical applications are:
● Can be used for all types of medical devices – implants as well as surgical tools
● Rust Proof – reduces the risk of infection from rust
● High Corrosion Resistance
● Has antibacterial and antifungal properties
● Reusable after autoclaving as it does not stain
● Non Magnetic and hence perfect for operating theatres
● High heat resistance
Medical device applications for stainless steel in ortho and surgical applications:
● Precision stainless steel tubing
● Orthopedic implants
● Artificial heart valves
● Bone fixation
● Mandrels / tools
● Chemical containers / Hazardous waste containers
● Stainless steel wires
● Wire Coils
● Curettes
● Screws / prostheses / plates
● Medical needles
● Medical syringes
● Sensor probes
● Catheters
● Sinks / bowls / surfaces / trays / knives
We at Vishwa Stainless Pvt. Ltd. manufactures a broad range of stainless steel bars for the ortho and surgical applications. We have worked with many surgical equipment manufacturing company in the last 5 years by providing an extensive range and premium quality products.
To know more about our product range visit our website: www.vishwastainless.com
