B12 · Medical & Healthcare
Medical and Hygiene Stainless Steel Plates: 304/316L Selection and 5-Part List
In medical and hygiene applications, we have organized 5 parts made of stainless steel: commonly used grades are 304 / 316L / 420, with thickness ranging 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 | 1–3mm Blade Thickness | No Brightness/Shot Peened | 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV | Blunt Edge + Cracking + Boiling Water Corrosion |
| Scissors | 20Cr13/420 | 1–2mm Blade Thickness | No Brightness or Bright | 20Cr13 40–48HRC; 420 48–56HRC | Axle Looseness + Corrosion |
| Drills/Bone Drills | 420b/440C | φ2–8mm | Polished/Lacquered | 420b 48–56HRC; 440C 58–62HRC | Wear + Thermal Crack + Corrosion |
| Forceps/Suture Forceps/Grippers | 12Cr13/20Cr13/05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb/304/316L | 1–3mm | Etched, No Brightness, or Etched | 38–45HRC; Two-piece Hardness Difference ≤ 4HRC | Elastic Failure + Wear + Corrosion |
| Cleansing Trays/Spatulas/Carts/Beds | 304/316L | 0.8–3.0mm | 2B/Polishing/Degreasing | Not Quench Hardened | Repeated Steam Sterilization at 134°C + Cleaning Agent + Pitting |
Table of Contents is here.Standard Configuration.Specify usage conditions instead of specifying grades — it's more convenient.
Common Grades in This Industry: 304 (2), 316L (2), 420 (1).
- Thickness Range: 0.8–8 mm.
- Thin sheets are often formed parts (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking). Thick sheets are often welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).
Common Issues
Which Stainless Steel Is Used Most in Medical and Hygienic Applications?
Based on the total of these five parts, 304 (2), 316L (2), and 420 (1) appear most frequently. The specific choice for a given part still depends on the medium and temperature — for example, stainless steel countertops that come into contact with salt water should be changed from 304 to 316L.
Which Parts Are Most Likely to Fail?
Based on failure descriptions, typical examples include "Bone Knife/Bone Scraper": 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV. Recommended grades: 420Mod/40Cr13; specifications: blade edge 1–3 mm. For these conditions, it's recommended to specify the medium concentration, temperature, and cleaning method during the design phase.
What Thickness Should I Select?
Thickness range in the list is 0.8–8 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same location. Recheck with your drawing or operating conditions.
Related Materials and Adjacent Industries
Applications5
Thickness0.8–8mm