Technical Data and Processes

We guarantee and certify that all of our implant materials are made to the following specifications.

Stainless Steel 316 LVM ISO 5832-1 ASTM F138/F139

316LVM (low carbon vacumm melt) stainless steel, this stainless steel is vacuum melted to achieve high levels of purity and cleanliness. It has excellent resistance to both general and intergranular corrosion, and pitting and crevice corrosion. The vacuum melt allows for superior surface finish.

Titanium Alloy ISO 5832-3 ASTM F136

One of the most commonly used titanium alloys is an alphabeta alloy containing 6% Al and 4% V. This alloy, usually referred to as Ti 6Al-4V, exhibits an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, strength and toughness. In the case of medical applications, stringent user specifications require controlled microstructures and freedom from melt imperfections. The interstitial elements of iron and oxygen are carefully controlled to improve ductility and fracture toughness. Controlled interstitial element levels are designated ELI (extra low interstitials), hence the designation Ti 6Al-4V ELI.

Electropolishing

All of our Stainless Steel Screws and Kirshner/Arthrodesis Wires receive the following Electro Polishing treatment.

Electropolished stainless steel surfaces are bright and highly reflective. This results from the removal of an often contaminated surface layer and the electrochemical action of micro-smoothing. The advantageous features resulting from such a bright and smooth surface are many. The passive oxide layer, which is essential to prevent stainless steel from corroding, cannot be improved upon following electropolishing. By reducing the total surface area, a result of micro-smoothing, products are less likely to adhere to an electropolishing finish. In the same way, surfaces can be cleaned and kept clean more readily. Friction is also reduced and the mechanism of preferentially removing surface high spots, makes electropolishing suitable for eliminating fine burrs.

We do not hand Polish our implants as this can lead to hole/product deformity, inconsistent surface finish and inclusions being impregnated to the product line. Our implants are routinely checked for Bio-burden results of cleanliness and receive a final Nitric Acid passivation prior to dispatch.

If you require a Sample FOC then please contact our office by telephone.

Satin Finish

All of our plates come with a satin finish, in addition to the obvious non-reflective surface providing less light glare during surgery, the uniform surface layer of compressive stress acts to combat stress cracks and corrosion, therefore increasing the life of implant. Also this type of surface finish has a greater ultrasound reflection. The process itself cleans the part, leaving it free from residues with a low CFU (microorganism) count, resulting in easier autoclave sterilisation.