What Is Surgical Steel and How Does It Differ From Stainless Steel?

You must be able to trust your surgical equipment. The size and function are vital, but the quality of the steel is as well.

This is an important manual for surgical steel. We'll look at how it varies from regular stainless steel by answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding surgical steel. Finally, we'll discuss how to choose the best steel grade for your surgical needs.

What Exactly Is Surgical Steel?

Surgical steel is low-carbon steel with high chromium content. This chromium combines with the oxygen in the air to generate a stable oxide bond, which aids in the prevention of rust. Surgical steel is also nonporous, which makes it more sanitary for usage in clinical settings. Because it is chemically inert, it can be sterilized without danger of corrosion or deterioration.

What Are the Differences Between Stainless Steel and Surgical Steel?

This is where things become complicated because, although stainless steel is used in practically all surgical tools, not all stainless steel is acceptable for medical usage.

There are many grades of stainless steel. Medical-grade stainless steel, often known as surgical steel, has a greater chromium content. Surgical steel will include at least 13% chromium, as opposed to 10.5% in normal stainless steel.

Surgical steel can also have a greater proportion of Molybdenum to decrease corrosion and nickel to reduce its brittleness. However, surgical devices intended for use as implants often have a reduced nickel concentration to avoid infection in the patient's body.

What about the rusting of Surgical Steel?

Surgical Steel does not rust, the chromium oxide bond covers the surgical steel like a film. This implies that even if you damage the steel's surface, the film will mend itself, making the rust impossible to form.

What about the Self-Healing process of Surgical Steel?

It is self-healing capability is critical for medical applications. Small fractures in steel's surface serve as a breeding environment for germs. Any cracks in surgical steel will seal themselves before germs can take root. This, in conjunction with regular sterilization, helps maintain surgical steel sanitary for medical use.

What about the Staining of the Surgical Steel?

Stainless steel is a kind of surgical steel. However, the term "stainless steel" might be deceptive.

Surgical steel is not stainproof steel.  Although it is less prone to discolor, stains are still possible. All stainless steel corrodes and discolors with time. Surgical steel is no exception, however, its higher concentration of chromium makes it far more durable than regular stainless steel.

Correct cleaning practices can significantly extend the life of surgical steel equipment. Using de-ionized water with high-quality cleaning detergents, for example, helps eliminate water spots while preventing mineral deposits from accumulating during the wash cycle.

However, no surgical tool may be used forever. Peak Surgicals will be able to tell you how long your tools will last before they need to be replaced.

What about the Magnetic features of Surgical Steel?

Many surgical steel grades are magnetic. The chemical ingredient of steel shows whether or not it is magnetic. A significant amount of ferrite will magnetize surgical steel. Furthermore, an excess of iron and heat treatment of steel enhance its magnetic property.

However, surgical steel with high chromium content (about 30%) combined with nickel is more likely to be non-magnetic. If you need additional information on whether the surgical steel equipment you want should be magnetic or nonmagnetic, please contact us.

How to Select the Best Steel Quality for Surgical Applications?

Surgical steel comes in a variety of grades, each of which is appropriate for a certain set of uses. Some grades provide more flexibility, sharpness, or durability. Others are more corrosion resistant, and others are intended to be used as implants, either permanently or temporarily.

We provide one of the most complete portfolios of surgical tools on the market, and our specialists are always available to discuss your requirements. You can discuss with us anytime about your need for a surgical instrument; we will help to meet that entire requirement.