Stainless Steel F138

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron and chromium, and may contain nickel, molybdenum and other elements that have higher physicochemical properties than common steels, with high resistance to atmospheric oxidation being its main characteristic. Stainless steel can be classified into several families according to its microstructure. They are: ferritic, austenitic, martensitic, hardened by precipitation and Duplex.

These elements in stainless steel alloy, in particular chromium, provide excellent corrosion resistance when compared to carbon steels. The stainless steel was discovered by Harry Brearly while studying a Fe-Cr alloy (13%) and found that the manufactured alloy resisted most of the reagents used at the time. He himself named the league, calling it "stainless steel" which, translating, means, "steak without stain". It popularly became known as stainless steel.

Stainless steel is mainly used for the production of household appliances, household utensils, automotive parts, construction and industry in general.

Corrosion resistance, hygienic and aesthetic properties make stainless steel a very attractive material to satisfy various applications in various sectors.

In the last three decades, there has been rapid and significant progress in the development of materials for surgical instruments and implants using stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steel ASTM F138 is currently one of the most suitable metal materials for use in orthopedic implants.

To ensure quality standards and the correct use of F138 stainless steel, there are the specifications developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American body of standardization. ASTM develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems and services.

The most complete international standard that specifies the use of stainless steel 316 LVM for implants is ASTM F138 "Standard Specification for Wrought 18Chromium 14Nickel 2.5Molybdenum Stainless Steel Bar and Wire for Surgical Implants" (UNS S31673). In this standard is detailed the standards to be met to preserve the quality of F138 stainless steel.

The F138 stainless steel available in bars, wire and plates is preferred for its low cost, mechanical properties and reasonable corrosion resistance, as well as good conformability. Despite all these advantages, F138 stainless steel is susceptible to localized corrosion. To meet this shortage of stainless steel F138, stainless steel ASTM F1314 was developed. It has high nitrogen content and controlled addition of niobium, and is an option to F138 stainless steel for the manufacture of high performance orthopedic implants, mainly for more severe applications of fatigue and time of permanence within the human body.

Sandinox has extensive experience in marketing a full range of titanium materials and stainless steels, including F138 stainless steel (in bars, wires and profiles) for the production of surgical implants and instruments.

Sandinox works tirelessly for the search for products and materials of advanced technology and quality, to always ensure the satisfaction of its clients and the health of patients. If your need is stainless steel, or F138 alloys (in bars, wire and profiles), please refer to Sandinox.