Case Study: Compliance Requirements for Stainless Steel in Medical Devices
316L medical grade, cleanliness, sterilization methods, and material certification documentation requirements.
Surgical instruments and implant auxiliary tools mostly use 316L (medical grade), while some implants use 316LVM or titanium alloys.
Requirements:
- Materials must comply with ASTM F138/F139 or the ISO 5832 series, with the melting method and inclusion rating provided.
- Surface: electropolishing or passivation, with roughness and residue controlled.
- Sterilization: high-pressure steam, ethylene oxide, or irradiation; materials must withstand the corresponding conditions.
- Documentation: biocompatibility, material certificates, cleaning validation records.
Note: Ordinary industrial 316L cannot be used directly for medical purposes; medical-grade materials and a clean production environment are required.