B12 · Medical & Healthcare
Healthcare & hygiene stainless steel plates: 304/316L selection and 5 part lists
In healthcare & hygiene, we have organized 5 parts using stainless steel: commonly used 304 / 316L / 420, with thickness ranging from 0.8–8 mm.
5 parts and material list
| Part / Component | Recommended grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Main Fails | Reference Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Knife/Blade | 420Mod/40Cr13 | Thickness 1–3mm | Bright/Shot Blasted | 420Mod 50–58HRC; 40Cr13 470–660HV | Thickness Out of Tolerance/Chipped Blade/Fatigue Corrosion |
| Clippers | 20Cr13/420 | Thickness 1–2mm | Bright or Etched | 20Cr13 40–48HRC; 420 48–56HRC | Worn Edge or Pivot Loose |
| Drill Bits or Bone Drills | 420b/440C | φ2–8mm | Polished or Lacquered | 420b 48–56HRC; 440C 58–62HRC | Wear or Corrosion |
| Forceps or Suture Forceps or Grippers | 12Cr13/20Cr13/05Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb/304/316L | 1–3mm | Bright, No Brightness, or Etched | 38–45HRC; Two-piece Hardness Difference ≤ 4HRC | Exceeding elasticity + worn hinges + corrosion |
| Disinfection trays/wire baskets/wheelchairs/mattresses | 304/316L | 0.8–3.0mm | 2B/Polishing/electropolishing | Not quench-hardened | Repeated steam sterilization 134°C + detergent + pitting |
Table below isStandard configuration.Same part can use different grades like 304, 316L, or 2205 depending on usage conditions — explain the conditions clearly instead of specifying a grade.
Material Selection Tips
- Common Steel Grades: 304 (2), 316L (2), 420 (1)
- Thickness Range: 0.8–8 mm
Common Issues
Which Stainless for Medical and Hygienic Use?
Top Stats: 304 (2), 316L (2), 420 (1) - Refer to Parts for Specifics
Most Troublesome Areas:
Typical Issue: Bone Tools/Bone Scrapers - 420Mod 50–58HRC, 40Cr13 470–660HV - Recommended Grade: 420Mod/40Cr13 - Blade Width: 1–3mm
What thickness should I choose?
Thickness range in the list is 0.8–8 mm.
Formability and surface for thin plates, strength for thick plates; values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same part, review your drawing or conditions.
Applications5
Thickness0.8–8mm