What is Surgical Steel?
In metallurgy, stainless steel is defined as an iron-carbon alloy with a minimum of 11.5 wt% chromium content.[1] Stainless steel does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as ordinary steel (it “stains less”), but it is not stain-proof. It is also called corrosion resistant steel when the alloy type and grade are not detailed, particularly in the aviation industry. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment to which the material will be subjected in its lifetime. Common uses of stainless steel are cutlery and watch straps. High oxidation-resistance in air at ambient temperature are normally achieved with additions of a minimum of 13% (by weight) chromium, and up to 26% is used for harsh environments.[2] The chromium forms a passivation layer of chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3) when exposed to oxygen. The layer is too thin to be visible, which means that the metal remains lustrous. It is, however, impervious to water and air, protecting the met
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel which is especially well-suited to surgical applications. The same properties which make it popular in the operating room have also led to demand for surgical steel in body piercing jewelry and body modification implants. Several steel manufacturers produce surgical steel, with numerous companies making a range of surgical steel products of varying degrees of hardness and tensile strength, depending on the precise ingredients in the alloy needed. Like other stainless steel products, surgical steel resists staining, but it also resists corrosion, which is critical in the operating room. Surgical instruments are subjected to a variety of harsh soaps and cleaners, along with intense heat from autoclaves, so they must be able to withstand heavy use. Surgical steel is also very difficult to scratch, a distinct advantage in surgical instruments, because a scratch can become a haven for bacteria which could be transferred to patients. Hard surgical
