B12 · Medical & Healthcare
Stainless Steel Sheets for Medical & Hygienic Applications: Choosing 304/316L and a 5-Part List
In the medical and hygienic field, we have organized five parts using stainless steel: commonly used 304 / 316L / 420, with thickness from 0.8–8 mm.
5 Parts and Material List
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Failure Modes | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Knife/Bone Scraper | 420Mod/40Cr13 | Blade thickness 3–1 mm | Matte/Shot Blasting | 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV | Blunt edge + Cracking + Corrosion in boiling water |
| Scissors | 20Cr13/420 | Blade thickness 2–1 mm | Matte or Polished | 20Cr13 40–48HRC; 420 48–56HRC | Axis loosening + Corrosion |
| Drills/Bone Drills | 420b/440C | φ2–8 mm | Polished/Coated | 420b 48–56HRC; 440C 58–62HRC | Wear + Thermal cracking + Corrosion |
| Forceps/Suture Forceps/Graspers | 12Cr13/20Cr13/05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb/304/316L | 1–3 mm | Matte or Passivated | 38–45HRC; Hardness difference between two components ≤ 4HRC | Loss of springiness + Hinge wear + Corrosion |
| Cabinets/Carts/Surgical trolleys/Bed frames | 304/316L | 0.8–3.0 mm | 2B/Polished/Electropolished | Not hardened | Repeated steam sterilization at 134°C + Cleaning agents + Pitting corrosion |
The table below isStandard configuration.Different parts can be changed from 304 to 316L or 2205 depending on operating conditions —— explaining conditions is easier than specifying grades.
Material Selection Tips
- The most commonly used grades in this industry are 304 (2), 316L (2) and 420 (1) —— the numbers in parentheses indicate the number of parts involved, useful for pricing and material ordering.
- Thickness range 0.8–8 mm: thin sheets are mainly formed parts (considering cracking during bending and deep drawing), thick sheets are mainly welded structures (considering heat input and sensitization).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stainless steel is most commonly used in medical and hygiene applications?
Total number of pages: 5, most common are 304 (2), 316L (2), 420 (1). The specific selection for a part still depends on the medium and temperature, e.g. a stainless steel countertop should be changed from 304 to 316L when in contact with salt water.
Which part is most prone to failure?
Failure description, typically "bone knife/axe": 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV; Recommended grade: 420Mod/40Cr13, blade width 1–3 mm. For this type of application, it is recommended to determine the medium concentration, temperature and cleaning method at the design stage.
What thickness should I choose?
The thickness range in the list is 0.8–8 mm.
Formability and surface for thin sheets, strength for thick sheets; values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same part, check the drawing or conditions.
Applications5
Thickness0.8–8mm