El surgical steel It has become a standard over the last few years, a trend that has become significant and coveted, especially in the prestigious sector of jewelry and medicine. All this for its characteristics as a material: resistance, flexibility and much more, don't miss it.
What is Surgical Steel?
It is mainly characterized by being a substance belonging to the family of corrosion-resistant iron alloys; It is the chromium content that gives this type of material the property of creating a passive surface layer that adheres to the surface and seals itself when it is affected, preventing it from deteriorating.
Mainly steel is an iron alloy with a carbon content that can range between 0,03 and 1,075%, a percentage established according to the grade within its structure.
It is important to note that steel is not the same as iron, therefore, both materials should not be confused: That is, iron is a moderately strong metal, with its own characteristics such as its melting temperature and boiling point.
Steel, for its part, maintains the metallic qualities of pure iron, but the incorporation of carbon and other components, both metallic and non-metallic, increases its physical-chemical properties and, in particular, its resistance.
Properties
It is a form of steel, used mostly for different clinical or medical procedures, forming the structure of surgical instruments, with tools such as: scalpel, tweezers, scissors, among others. This type of material is selected for its properties, which prevent most people from developing allergic reactions to its contact.
It is also used for orthopedic devices, as it works very well to regenerate bones and is also used as a structural component in artificial heart valves and other forms of metal implants, which are required in vital surgeries.
Likewise, it has certain qualities that are preferable, compared to other materials, and that is that surgical steel, in addition to having the traditional iron and chrome alloys, has molybdenum, which is a chemical element that gives it the necessary hardness, preventing it from corrode and allowing it to be easily sterilized.
Composition:
The molecular composition of surgical steel consists of an alloy of chromium (12%-20% ratio), together with molybdenum (0,2%-3% ratio) and nickel (0,2%-3% ratio). Structurally, it is chromium that gives steel its resistance to wear and corrosion.
Additionally, nickel gives the metal a sleek, polished finish. On the other hand, molybdenum in surgical equipment offers higher hardness and ensures sharpness. For steel to be categorized as surgical, the alloy must have a chromium content of at least 10,5%.
Characteristics of Surgical Steel
The characteristics of surgical steel, in particular its tolerance to corrosion, its aesthetic component and its mechanical characteristics, make it an excellent choice in different applications. These qualities are achieved with optimum efficiency generated when using this type of steel.
When choosing the grade and surface finish, it is necessary to consider the variables, this means that the production of the material conforms to the standards, requirements, finishing details, among others.
The characteristics that make surgical steel a priority option in different tasks are mentioned below:
- Its main characteristic is its high tolerance to wear and corrosion.
- Furthermore, it does not cause hypersensitivity or allergic responses, which makes it very valuable for procedures in medical and surgical conditions.
- In the case of surgical steel utensils and pans, contamination of food with metal ions is avoided.
- Surgical steel does not emit toxins, even when exposed to high temperatures.
- Due to its structure and low roughness, foreign agents do not adhere to it, therefore it is really simple to disinfect and sterilize and is therefore preferred for surgical specialization.
- Surgical steel does not need alloys with other metals to be hardened.
- The color of its surface can be changed.
- Various surface finishes can be achieved, such as satin or scratched.
- Surgical steel is very shock resistant, its structure consumes a lot of energy under impact conditions.
- It is recyclable and extremely cost-effective, due to its chrome and nickel content; In addition to being used for the preparation of Amulets.
Uses and applications
Surgical steel is becoming increasingly common in all forms of industries, including pharmaceuticals, medicine, manufacturing, the automotive industry, and jewelry. This, due to its numerous properties and advantages, which include resistance to degradation and great longevity. There are different advantages and uses for this material, among which are:
- Surgical steel is commonly used in areas where clean and sterile devices are needed, such as: surgical and dental instruments, as well as implants, due to its ease of cleaning and low corrosion.
- Various components such as exhaust pipes, grills, and trims have been made from this material in the automotive industry; its scope has also been applied to the manufacture of vehicle structural parts.
- It has also become a central aspect of the construction industry, considering its power and versatility. It is widely used on work surfaces, as well as on the exterior facades of some buildings.
- Within the kitchen industry, it is the ideal material for making utensils and cutlery; Items like teaspoons, forks, and knives are made with less ductile grades of surgical steel, while stoves and sinks are made with other, more ductile types.
In short, surgical steel, due to its multiple qualities and characteristics, is a very useful product, which makes it an important ally in many sectors. In addition to being an ideal element for the manufacture of jewelry, which can be elegantly decorated with a stone. Black Tourmaline.
Advantages
The greatest benefit of using surgical steel is the potential to preserve its structure at all stages of its useful life, so the finish will not deteriorate.
Hygiene is also another positive factor, particularly in the field of medicine, since it has a system capable of preventing bacteria, dust and other foreign agents from adhering to the surface.
It is important to remember that when handling surgical steel, abrasive materials or any agent with a high concentration of chlorine should be avoided.
