Surgical instruments are widely used by surgeons to perform therapeutic, investigative, or diagnostic operations. The primary function of these instruments is to retract, incise, cut, grasp, occlude or hold, ligate or suture. Each surgical instrument is made up of different metals and is used by the surgeon based on its specific specialty.
Different metals used for making these instruments have various properties. While manufacturing surgical instruments, certain aspects are considered such as the mechanical properties, magnetic properties, and biocompatibility. However, Stainless steel and titanium are widely used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments. Let's have a look at different metals used in surgical instruments and their relevant applications.
Stainless steel
This alloy is widely known for its corrosion resistance property as it contains at least 12 % chromium in addition to Silicon, Carbon, and Manganese. The magnificent corrosion resistance of stainless steel makes it an excellent choice for body piercing jewelry, surgical instruments, and biomedical implants. Our standard line of instruments comprises Austentic 316 steel that is also referred to as marine grade steel or surgical steel. The temperature resistance of stainless steel (Inox) is up to 400°C and is also great salt resistant. Surgical steel is ideal because it's relatively easy to clean hence it's widely used in hygiene prioritized environments.
Dumoxel steel
There were various kinds of stainless steel developed by Dumont Tools for the premium surgical instruments. Dumoxel is 95% non-magnetic and is exceptionally flexible. It can resist temperature for up to 400°C and is appropriate to be autoclave at 270°C. It is highly resistant to organic acids, minerals, hydrochloric acids, and stains as well. Due to the high concentration of chromium and molybdenum, Dumoxel is greatly corrosion-resistant. It is one of the most famous Dumont Tool alloys.
Dumostar steel
Dumostar steel is one of the finest alloys of Dumont's. it is relatively more resistant to corrosion and is more elastic than finest stainless steel. The temperature resistance of Dumostar is up to 500°C and is 100% non-magnetic. Dumostar is widely known for its durability and brilliant elasticity which is due to its high resistance to metal fatigue. Dumostar steel is resistant to organic acids, salt corrosion, and minerals and is expected to bend instead of getting broken. It is considered one of the best, appropriate, and cost-effective alloys for lab tools.
Titanium
Titanium is best used in dental implants and orthopedic rods, pins, and plates. Due to its biocompatibility and unique quality of fusing well with human bodies, it is greatly used in surgical instruments and implants. Titanium is known for its tensile strength over carbon steel. Also, it is completely resistant to industrial chemicals, salt water, organic chemicals, and nitric acid. Titanium is strong, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, stain-free, and 100% non-magnetic. They are 40% less in weight as compared to Inox stainless steel, making it easy to be used for longer durations because you feel less hand fatigue. As compared to stainless steel alloys, titanium steel dimensions change less than half of it while heated and cooled which makes them extra durable. Titanium tools are widely preferable for MRI applications and corrosive environments and can resist temperature for up to 430°C.
