316 LVM Stainless Steel
At a Glance
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Forms | Rod, Wire, Sheet/Strip, Tube |
| Alloy Type | Vacuum-Melted Implant Grade Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent corrosion resistance in physiological and medical environments |
| Hardness | Available in annealed, cold-worked, and extra-hard conditions |
| Durability | Designed for long-term performance in implantable and surgical applications |
| Key Advantages | High purity, enhanced biocompatibility, low carbon content, and excellent surface integrity |
| Common Applications | Orthopedic implants, cardiac stents, dental implants, catheters, bone pins, surgical clips, staples, and orthopedic cables |
| Specifications | ASTM F138, ASTM F139, UNS S31673 |
316 LVM Stainless Steel, often referred to as surgical grade stainless steel or implant grade stainless steel, is our most commonly sold medical stainless steel. Breaking down the name, this is a low-carbon version of 316 that has been either electro slag remelted or vacuum arc remelted to reduce impurities.
This process removes impurities and helps to form a more effective chromium oxide layer on the surface of the material than ordinary stainless steel. This layer helps hold nickel inside the bar, reducing the likelihood of nickel release. This protective surface also helps increase the length of time an implant can remain in the body without leaching into the surrounding tissues.
The medical manufacturing market is stable and largely staying within the United States of America. With our knowledge and your skill, we can help you break into this market and help secure the future of your company.
We have no minimum order and are happy to quote in less than full bar lengths. Get only what you need, usually cut and shipped the day you order.
All material comes complete with mill test reports certifying the material to ASTM F138 surgical implant grade and is precision ground to ±.0005 for bar or to ASTM F139 for sheet.
Typical Uses for 316 LVM
- Orthopedic implants, permanent and temporary
- Cardiac stents
- Dental implants
- Catheters
- Bone pins
- Suture wires
- Surgical clips and staples
- Stylets
- Orthopedic cables
Chemical Data, Mechanical Properties and Specifications for 316 LVM Stainless Steel
Chemical Range
| Element | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | -- | 0.030 |
| Chromium | 17 | 19 |
| Copper | -- | 0.50 |
| Iron | Balance | -- |
| Manganese | -- | 2.0 |
| Molybdenum | 2.25 | 3.0 |
| Nickel | 13.00 | 15.00 |
| Nitrogen | -- | 0.10 |
| Phosphorus | -- | 0.025 |
| Silicon | -- | 0.75 |
| Sulphur | -- | 0.010 |
Mechanical Properties Per ASTM F138 Bar
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation in 4D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed (.063" and over) | 71.0 ksi min | 27.5 ksi min | 40% |
| Cold Worked (.063" to 1.50") | 125 ksi | 100 ksi | 12% |
| Extra-hard (.063" to .250") | 196 ksi | No requirement | No requirement |
Specifications
- ASTM F138 (Rod and Flat Bar)
- ASTM F139 (Sheet)
- UNS S31673