B12 · Medical & Healthcare
Stainless Steel Sheets for Medical & Hygiene: 304/316L Selection and 5-Part List
For medical and hygiene applications, we have compiled five parts commonly made from 304 / 316L / 420 stainless steel, with thicknesses 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 | 3–1mm Blade Thickness | No Gloss/Bead Blasting | 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV | Dull Edge+Cracking+Boiling Water Corrosion |
| Scissors | 20Cr13/420 | 2–1mm Blade Thickness | No Gloss or Gloss | 20Cr13 40–48HRC; 420 48–56HRC | Axle Loosening+Corrosion |
| Drills/Bone Drills | 420b/440C | φ2–8mm | Polished/Varnished | 420b 48–56HRC; 440C 58–62HRC | Wear+Thermal Cracking+Corrosion |
| Forceps/Hemostatic Forceps/Graspers | 12Cr13/20Cr13/05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb/304/316L | 1–3mm | No Gloss or Neutralized | 38–45HRC; Two-Part Hardness Difference ≤ 4HRC | Loss of Elasticity + Hinge Wear + Corrosion |
| Cabinets/trolleys/surgical carts/bed frames | 304/316L | 0.8–3.0mm | 2B/Polishing/Electropolishing | Not Hardened by Quenching | Repeated Steam Sterilization at 134°C + Cleaning Agents + Pitting |
Table belowStandard configuration.Depending on operating conditions, different parts may transition from 304 to 316L or 2205 — describing the conditions is easier than specifying grades.
Material Selection Tips
- The most common grades in this sector are 304 (2), 316L (2) and 420 (1) — the numbers in parentheses indicate the number of relevant parts, useful for quoting and material ordering.
- Thickness range 0.8–8 mm: thin sheets are mainly formed parts (considering springback and deep-drawing cracking), thick plates are mainly welded structures (considering heat input and sensitization).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which stainless steel is most used in medical and hygiene applications?
Total of 5 parts, most common are 304 (2), 316L (2), 420 (1). For a specific part it still depends on environment and temperature; for example, when a stainless steel workbench contacts salt water, it should transition from 304 to 316L.
Which part is most prone to failure?
Failure definition, typically "bone knife/axe": 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV; Recommended grade: 420Mod/40Cr13, blade width 1–3mm. For such applications, it is recommended to specify the medium concentration, temperature and cleaning method at the design stage.
Which thickness should I choose?
The thickness range in the list is 0.8–8 mm.
For thin sheets, formability and surface; for thick plates, strength; for the same part, values may vary by equipment manufacturer — review your drawing or conditions.
Applications5
Thickness0.8–8mm