Surgical steel vs stainless steel both belong to a broader category of metallic alloy called steel. As a layman, one can find them similar, but there are many aspects that make them different from each other. Steel has many types depending on its composition, properties, and uses. The major component of steel is Iron, along with other metals in variable percentages.
Let us dig deeper to find the differences between the properties and uses of stainless steel and surgical steel, and get to know which one is the right choice for you.
What is Surgical Steel?
Surgical steel is a subset of stainless steel. It is a highly corrosion-resistant alloy with biomedical properties. Its features make it best for medical instruments, syringes, and dental implants.
Surgical steel does not have any specific definition, but as the name suggests, this is the type of stainless steel that is ideal for use in surgical instruments.
What is the Composition of Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is generally composed of iron, chromium, nickel, and some other elements like molybdenum and titanium in trace amounts. The composition may vary depending on the grade and requirements. It contains almost 13% chromium, which makes it highly rust-resistant. However, nickel is less than stainless steel.
What are the Properties of Surgical Grade Stainless Steel
Surgical-grade steel has the following properties due to its composition:
Highly corrosion resistant:
Chromium has oxidative properties. It forms a layer of oxide on the surface to protect it from rust. It also has self-repair ability, which helps the metal to stay rust-free even in a moist environment.
Biocompatible properties:
Surgical steel has biocompatible properties, which is why it can freely be used in medical instruments and appliances. A small amount of nickel prevent the risks of the allergens' growth. Hence, it is safe for human use as there is minimal risk of allergic reactions.
ProleanTech engineers often recommend surgical-grade steel in projects that require both high corrosion resistance and safe contact with the human body, such as in medical devices.
What are the Applications of Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is best suited for the medical industry.
- Surgical steel is used for bone fixation in medical procedures.
- It is widely applied in dental and orthopedic implants.
- It is used to manufacture containers for hazardous materials.
- It is used in the production of dental and surgical equipment like needles and syringes.
- It is applied in the manufacturing of prostheses.
What is Stainless Steel: Definition and Types
Stainless steel is defined as an iron alloy that is composed mainly of iron and a few other metals, including chromium, nickel, and titanium. It also contains carbon, a non-metallic element.
Types of Stainless Steel
There are five major categories or types of stainless steel. The following is a quick overview of them:
1. Austenitic
It has excellent corrosion resistance and good ductility. Austenitic is usually non-magnetic. For example: 304, 316, 310
2. Ferritic
Ferritic has good corrosion resistance. It has magnetic properties and is cost-effective. It is usually low in nickel content. E.g. 430, 420
3. Martensitic
Metensic has high strength and hardness, but comes with moderate corrosion resistance,like 410, 420
4. Duplex
Duplex is one of the widely used types. It combines austenitic and ferritic properties for high strength. It has excellent corrosion resistance. 2205, 2507 are duplex.
5. Precipitation-Hardening
This category achieves very high strength and hardness. It goes through heat treatment such as 17-4 PH and 15-5 PH.
What is the Composition of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is composed of 50% iron, nearly 10.3% chromium, and nickel. All these metals induce unique characteristics in the alloy, which make it suitable for use in various industries like construction, engineering, automotive, and kitchen appliances.
What are the Properties of Stainless Steel
Let us discuss the properties of stainless steel:
Durable
A higher percentage of iron makes stainless steel a durable material to be used in the engineering and construction industry. It has a long life and can handle high pressure and external stress.
Corrosion-resistant
Chromium in the composition brings the corrosion-resistant properties to the table.
Ductility:
Stainless steel is a ductile metal. It can easily be moulded into different shapes when heat is applied. This property makes it fit for various industries.
What are the Uses of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is used in different industries due to its versatile characteristics, such as architecture, food and beverage, automotive, chemical, and medical. Its strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal make it ideal for:
Kitchenwares
Its aesthetic appeal makes it ideal for kitchen wares like sinks, knives, and saucepans. It is also used in making pressure cookers and fridges due to its durability.
Chemical Plants
Stainless steel is used in chemical plants to make pipes, tanks, and processing units as it is resistant to corrosion and can bear a high-stress environment.
Engineering structures
Stainless steel is widely used in engineering structures and construction sites. Its strength and rust resistance components make it suitable. Duplex stainless steel is especially well known for its usage in this industry all over the world.
Medical Equipment
Various medical tools and devices are made of stainless steel. It is hard, durable, and can be polished easily. Also, it is scratch-resistant.
Marine Applications
Stainless steel is used in pipework for the petrochemical industry. It is also used in offshore systems due to its reliable corrosion resistance properties.
Surgical Steel vs Stainless Steel: Which is Better for You?
We have now read about the composition, properties, and uses of both surgical steel and stainless steel. We can say that there isn’t anything that makes one of them superior or inferior. It solely depends upon your needs, usage, and requirements to decide which alloy will be best for you.
Here is the table with a quick comparison:
|
Property |
Stainless Steel |
Surgical Steel |
|
Chromium |
10.5% |
16% |
|
Nickel |
High |
Less |
|
Iron |
50% |
<50% |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Durability |
More |
Less |
|
Biocomaptibility |
Less |
More |
|
Strength |
More |
Less |
|
Industries |
Architecture, food and beverage, automotive, chemical, and medical. |
Mainly the medical industry |
Conclusion
Stainless steel and surgical-grade steel are different yet important types of steel. Both are unique in their composition, such as percentages of elements, properties, and uses in the real world. Surgical steel is best for medical equipment, while stainless steel is used in various industries due to its versatile characteristics.
Just know your requirements, and you will get to know which one is best for you.
