If you are wondering what is the difference between surgical steel vs stainless steel, you are not alone. This question is very common and needs to be addressed quite often because people often confuse the two materials being almost the same. However, the reality is quite different!
For any project, companies strive to choose the best material. When dealing with metal materials, the distinctive features of each material become evident during processes such as cutting, bending, punch-pressing, and other forms of manipulation. In this blog, we are going to discuss surgical steel vs stainless steel. If you are the one who is in search of what’s similar between the two and what’s different, you’ve hit the right spot. Let’s get started!
Understanding surgical steel
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel specifically useful in biomedical applications and is also known as surgical stainless. This type of steel is greatly useful for medical purposes and implants due to its high resistance to staining and corrosion.
In general, this type of steel is also considered a low-carbon steel in which higher levels of chromium are present. It prevents rust as chromium content in it combines with oxygen which facilitates the formation of stronger oxide bonds. Additionally, this type of steel is preferable in clinical settings as it is nonporous which enhances its hygiene. Moreover, the chemically inert nature of this metal makes it easily sterilizable without any concern for degradation or corrosion.
Examples of commonly acknowledged surgical steel types include austenitic 3161 stainless steel, as well as martensitic 440 and 420 stainless steel.
Understanding stainless steel
Stainless steel, a broader category, encompasses various alloys including iron, titanium, copper, and nickel with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content. This chromium content forms a protective oxide layer on the surface of steel, preventing rust and corrosion. While surgical steel is a type of stainless steel, not all stainless steels are suitable for surgical or medical applications. Additionally, One of the non-metallic additives that is commonly found in stainless steel is carbon which improves its fracture resistance and strength.
Surgical steel vs stainless steel: What’s the difference?
There are multiple similarities between surgical steel and stainless steel such as corrosion resistance, rust prevention, versatility, and durability. However, there are multiple distinctive characteristics that differentiate these two.
- The primary distinction between surgical steel and stainless steel lies in the content of carbon in the alloy. Surgical steel contains a lower amount of carbon compared to stainless steel, which enhances its resistance to staining and corrosion. This characteristic is particularly important in medical contexts, where instruments and implants have to endure exposure to bodily fluids and challenging conditions.
- The next alloy that makes a difference between surgical and stainless steel is the nickel content. There is generally a reduced nickel content in surgical steel as compared to stainless steel. This precautionary measure is taken because nickel has the potential to trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals. Given that surgical instruments and implants must be hypoallergenic to prevent complications in patients, hence limiting the nickel content.
- Stainless steel is available in various level of grades. The medical-grade stainless steel, commonly known as surgical steel, characterizes a higher concentration of chromium. Moreover, surgical steel typically comprises a minimum of 13% chromium, which is notably higher in comparison to the 10.5% found in standard stainless steel.
Key characteristics of surgical steel
By discussing key characteristics, you’ll be able to know why it is perfectly suitable for medical applications:
Biocompatibility
One of the distinctive features of surgical steel is its biocompatibility. This property ensures that the material has a good tolerance by the human body, reducing the risk of adverse reactions when used in medical implants.
Corrosion resistance
There is an exceptional corrosion resistance in surgical steel that makes it an ideal choice for medical instruments that are exposed to bodily fluids and other conditions.
Strength and Durability
Surgical steel is famous for its strength and durability. These attributes are crucial for tools and instruments that must
withstand frequent use and sterilization.
Hypoallergenic
Due to the lower content of nickel in surgical steel,it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Easy cleaning
Cleaning and sterilizing are two important steps that every medical equipment must go through before and after each use. Surgical steel is easy to clean and maintain, which is crucial for medical instruments and implants that undergo sterilization before use.
Key characteristics of stainless steel
Stainless steel is also a popular choice for a wide range of applications due to its great properties including:
Strength: stainless steel is strong and durable and can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use
Aesthetic appeal: The aesthetic appeal of stainless steel, with its lustrous and polished surface, contributes to its popularity in decorative and architectural applications.
Corrosion Resistance: Like surgical steel, stainless steel is also well
known for its corrosion resistance. It also makes this alloy suitable for a wide range of applications, from kitchen appliances to architectural structures.
Conclusion
Without a second thought, Surgical steel is best for medical instruments due to its unique combination of characteristics that make it a perfect choice for use in healthcare settings. Despite similarities between surgical steel vs stainless steel, it is important to understand the difference between these two.
By knowing the differences, you will be able to understand which material is the best choice for your purchase of medical equipment and other stuff. There is no denying that stainless steel is also a great alloy but it is more kind of a general-purpose material such as for making steel body jewelry and stainless steel earrings etc. Furthermore, It is also important to note that not all types of stainless steel are a good option for use in medical instruments.
We hope you’ll be able to differentiate between surgical steel and stainless steel now to make informed decisions. Next time you are going to buy medical equipment, don’t forget to choose the right one for your healthcare institute!
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