Stainless Steel and the Healthcare Industry – Common Uses
Stainless steel is one of the widest used materials in the medical industry, being seen in everything from tools through to operating room tables and more. It should come as no surprise as to why this is the case, with stainless steel being known for its incredible durability, fire-resistance, ease of maintenance and non-porous surface. With strict health and safety standards in place, it is imperative that high grade stainless steel is used in the manufacture of all medical devices. In this blog post, Mascot Steel will be sharing some insight into stainless steel and the medical industry.
What Grade of Stainless Steel Does the Medical Industry Use?
The medical industry most commonly specifies grade 304 stainless steel, which is easy to shape yet strong, durable and resistant to sanitation and sterilisation chemicals. Stainless Steel 304 (SS 304) will not react chemically with bodily tissue, and will withstand the heavy wear and tear which medical devices are subjected to throughout their useful life. It is for these reasons that you will find Stainless 304 inside doctors surgeries, hospitals, ambulances and other healthcare settings.
What are the Most Common Applications for Stainless Steel 304 in the Medical Industry?
As mentioned above, SS 304 is incredibly easy to shape. As it does not require annealing, it can retain its high strength and chemical resistant properties. This makes it ideal for manufacturing deep vessels such as bowls, pans and sinks which see frequent use within a medical setting.
You will also find it used for:
- Orthopaedic implants
- Bone fixation
- Stainless steel tubing
- Screws
- Syringes
- Wires
- Surgical Tools/Instruments
- Plates
- Artificial heart valves
- Much more
The 5 Important Qualities of Stainless Steel for the Health Profession
It is necessary for those in the health profession to take all possible precautions to ensure the health of their patients. As a high traffic environment, materials must be able to withstand heavy use for many years to come. Here are the 5 main benefits of stainless steel:
Durability
Provided it is cleaned regularly, stainless steel will look great and perform for many decades. This makes it the most economical choice for the medical industry. At the end of its useful life, it can be recycled.
Strong
Stainless steel is not prone to cracking or breaking as it is exceptionally strong. It is imperative that doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals can rely upon their tools and with stainless steel there is no need to worry. It is also resistant to both high and low temperature fluctuations.
Rust Resistant
Stainless steel is the perfect choice for sinks, tanks and storage cabinets as it is highly resistant to rust. The surface will maintain its natural sheen.
Ease of Cleaning
The surface of stainless steel is non-porous, so harsh chemicals do not affect it. This makes it very easy to clean and maintain a highly sterile environment, drastically reducing the risk of spreading bacteria or infection.
Corrosion Resistant
It is not uncommon for hospitals to make use of acidic and alkaline cleaning solutions. This is why you notice stainless steel within food preparation areas of hospitals, as it will resist corrosion caused by the use of aggressive solutions.
Mascot Steel Fabricators Penrith and Mascot – Call Today for a Quote
Mascot Steel are a leading Sydney steel fabricator, with locations at Penrith and Mascot. There is no shortage of options when it comes to the production of medical equipment, but stainless steel stands out as the optimal choice for the reasons discussed above. Whatever your industry, Mascot Steel have you covered. To arrange a quote, please contact us on (02) 9313 1313 today.
