This specification covers the chemical requirements for wrought stainless steels used for the manufacture of surgical instruments. Classes of stainless steels covered here are Class 3 (austenitic stainless steel), Class 4 (martensitic stainless steel), Class 5 (precipitation hardening stainless steel), and Class 6 (ferritic stainless steel). The data contained in this specification, such as typical hardness values, common heat treating cycles, and examples of selected stainless steels that have been used for surgical instruments, are provided for reference only. Mechanical property, heat treatment, hardness, and all other requirements except for chemical composition, are governed by the appropriate material standards as specified or as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the chemistry requirements for wrought stainless steels used for the manufacture of surgical instruments. The data contained in Tables 1-4 of this specification, including typical hardness values, common heat treating cycles, and examples of selected stainless steels that have been used for surgical instruments, is provided for reference only. Mechanical property requirements, heat treating requirements, hardness requirements and all other requirements except chemistry are governed by the appropriate material standards as referenced below or as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

ISO Standards

American Society for Quality (ASQ) Standard

Index Terms

austenitic; ferritic; instruments; martensitic; precipitation hardenable; stainless steel; surgical; Surgical instruments--specifications; Stainless steel bars/billets--specifications; Stainless steel surgical applications--specifications; Steel billets and blooms--specifications; Steel wire--specifications;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 11.040.30 (Surgical instruments and materials)

Citing ASTM Standards

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