11/27/2023 0 Comments Chromium uses stainless steel![]() ME-92 ® Chromium Coating: Extensively Tested and Certified BiocompatibleĪny material that comes into contact with a patient’s body during a procedure must be fully biocompatible. And wherever it is used, it will not chip, flake, or peel. Inert, non-magnetic, USP Class VI, Tripartite/ISO, and antimicrobial chromium coatings with thicknesses of 0.00004” to 0.001” per side (1.0-25.0 microns) can be applied to a wide range of stainless-steel devices, including:Ĭhromium can also adhere directly to aluminum. Applied with an electrolytic process, the chromium bonds to the base material, greatly increasing the durability and stain resistance of the device. While the chromium used to create stainless steel provides a measure of defense against dulling, discoloration, and other issues, adding a coat of it to key surfaces takes that protection to another level. ![]() Chromium Coatings for Medical Devices: Powerful, Affordable Protection Glancing over at a tray of instruments with the expectation of seeing nothing but flawless, gleaming metal and instead, seeing blotchy or discolored tools can be disheartening or even concerning–especially when considering they are about to undergo a procedure and might already feel stressed or nervous. Patients tend to have a similar reaction to observing devices that have unsightly stains and visible wear. ![]() If asked to work with devices that aren’t in like-new condition, many care providers might understandably feel disrespected to a degree-or, at least, inadequately equipped to complete their task at hand with the degree of precision required. No skilled professional wants to pick up an instrument and see that it is etched, corroded, stained, or discolored. And in some scenarios, a faulty device can become a serious risk to patient safety.īut how a device performs is only part of calculating its value to a user, and beyond that, to the reputation of a medical or dental practice. If a blade doesn’t cut cleanly or a clamp doesn’t hold firmly, the success of a procedure may be compromised. The margin for error in these activities is small at best, and non-existent in many instances. In order for doctors, dentists, and other professionals to get the results they are looking for with a procedure, they have to have medical devices that perform as designed and as expected every time they are used. Why Both Functionality and Aesthetics Are Important in Healthcare and Dentistry And those processes take a toll on the structural integrity and appearance of instruments. What’s more, devices must be meticulously cleaned and thoroughly sanitized after each use. The reality is that because of its iron content, even stainless steel can become stained or discolored when used in extreme environments such as:Īnd those characteristics are very common in medical and dental procedures. Specifically, rather than meaning “without stains” or “unable to be stained,” it should actually be thought of as “stain less” as in, “items made from this material will stain less easily.” However, when it comes to the actual performance of stainless-steel devices in healthcare or dentistry-which often use 304, 430, or 431 stainless steel-it is important to understand how the word “stainless” should be interpreted. The microstructure of stainless steels resists corrosion and discoloration. The 400 series has between 11% and 27% chromium and little to no nickel. The 300 series, which includes chromium, nickel, and iron, is the largest and most widely used group. The 200 series steels include chromium, manganese, and nickel along with iron. Stainless steels (called “chromium steels” in the early 1800s when their stain-resistant properties were first identified) come in various forms that are grouped into what are called: series. As a result, stainless steel devices-from kitchen appliances to medical instruments-have a well-deserved reputation for stain resistance and durability. This formulation helps prevent corrosion and also makes items formed from the material more heat-resistant. The term “stainless steel” applies to iron-based alloys that contain 11% chromium or more.
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