High purity medical stainless steel 316LVM ideal for medical devices and implants.

Chemical Composition

The typical chemical composition of 316LVM stainless steel includes:

• Chromium (Cr): 16.00-18.00%

• Nickel (Ni): 13.00-15.00%

• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.00-3.00%

• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.00%

• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.75%

• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.025%

• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.010%

• Carbon (C): ≤ 0.030%

• Iron (Fe): Balance

Mechanical Properties

316LVM stainless steel typically has the following mechanical properties:

• Tensile Strength: ≥ 485 MPa (70 ksi)

• Yield Strength: ≥ 170 MPa (25 ksi)

• Elongation: ≥ 40%

• Hardness: ≤ 95 HRB

Applications

Due to its high purity and excellent biocompatibility, 316LVM is widely used in:

• Surgical instruments

• Orthopedic implants

• Medical devices

• Dental implants

• Pacemaker leads

Advantages

• Corrosion Resistance: Superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride environments.

• Biocompatibility: Safe for use in medical implants and devices that come into direct contact with human tissue.

• Strength and Ductility: Combines high strength with good ductility, making it suitable for forming and machining.

• Purity: The vacuum melting process reduces impurities and ensures a more uniform microstructure.

Production Process

The vacuum melting process is crucial in producing 316LVM stainless steel. This process involves melting the steel in a vacuum to remove impurities and gases, resulting in a high-purity material. The steps typically include:

1.Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM): Melting the raw materials in a vacuum to minimize contamination.

2.Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR): Further refining the metal by remelting it in a vacuum to enhance homogeneity and eliminate defects.

3.Forming and Machining: Shaping the steel into the desired forms, such as bars, sheets, or wires.

4.Heat Treatment: Applying controlled heating and cooling processes to achieve the desired mechanical properties and microstructure.