316LVM Stainless Steel – High Grade for Precision Capillary Tube Applications
What Is 316LVM Stainless Steel?
316LVM (Low Vacuum Melting) stainless steel is the gold standard material for surgical implants and critical medical applications. Manufactured under vacuum to reduce inclusions and improve fatigue resistance, 316LVM meets the stringent requirements of ISO 5832-1 and ASTM F138 standards for implantable medical applications.
As a precision grade 316LVM stainless steel OEM manufacturer, we produce capillary tubes, surgical needles, shaver blades, and implantable components with full material traceability and EN 10204 3.1 certification.
Chemical Composition (ISO 5832-1)
| Element | Specification (%) | Typical Value (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.03 | 0.02 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.75 | 0.45 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0 | 1.20 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.025 | 0.018 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.010 | 0.003 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.5-18.0 | 17.2 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0-2.5 | 2.2 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 12.0-14.0 | 13.0 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.10 | 0.05 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Requirement | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥485 MPa | 550-620 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ≥170 MPa | 250-300 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥30% | 35-45% |
| Hardness | ≤190 HB (≤95 HRB) | 150-170 HB |
| Density | — | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | — | 1371-1400°C |
Why 316LVM for Implants?
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
The molybdenum addition (2.0-2.5%) provides exceptional resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion in body fluids. The low carbon content (≤0.03%) prevents carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring corrosion resistance in the heat-affected zone.
2. Biocompatibility
316LVM passes ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing:
- Cytotoxicity: Non-cytotoxic
- Sensitization: Non-sensitizing
- Irritation: Non-irritating
- Acute systemic toxicity: Non-toxic
- Implantation: Well-tolerated in vivo
3. Fatigue Resistance
Vacuum melting reduces non-metallic inclusions, significantly improving fatigue resistance — critical for implantable devices subjected to cyclic loading (e.g., pacemaker leads, orthopedic implants).
4. Weldability
Low carbon content enables welding without post-weld annealing, maintaining corrosion resistance and mechanical properties in welded assemblies.
Applications in Medical Applications
| Application | Product Type | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Pacemaker leads | Sensing electrodes, conductor tubes | Capillary tube OD 0.3-1.5mm |
| Stent delivery systems | Catheter components, guidewires | Micro-tube, wire |
| Orthopedic implants | Screw components, plate components | CNC machined, forged |
| Surgical needles | Biopsy needles, access needles | Capillary tube, precision cut |
| Dental implants | Drill guide components, abutments | CNC machined |
| Spinal instrumentation | Rod components, connector components | CNC machined, tube |
Manufacturing Process for 316LVM Components
- Material Sourcing — Certified 316LVM rod/tube from approved mills (Outokumpu, Aperam, POSCO)
- Incoming Inspection — Spectroscopy, tensile test, hardness test, inclusion rating
- Forming — Cold drawing, CNC machining, laser cutting per customer specification
- Bright Annealing — Controlled atmosphere (N₂/H₂) at 1040-1120°C
- Surface Treatment — Electropolishing (Ra ≤0.2μm), passivation
- Precision Cutting — Laser cutting to length, burr-free ends
- Cleaning & Packaging — Ultrasonic cleaning, cleanroom packaging, sealed for sterile handling
- 100% Inspection — Dimensional, surface, material certification, traceability records
Quality Standards
- ISO 5832-1 — Metallic materials for surgical implants — 316LVM stainless steel
- ASTM F138 — 316LVM stainless steel for surgical implants
- ISO 9001:2016 — Medical device quality management
- EN 10204 3.1 — Material certification with specific test results
- ISO 10993 — Biocompatibility evaluation
Request a Quote
Contact us with your 316LVM requirements — material form (tube, wire, rod), dimensions, quantity, certification needs — and receive a competitive quote within 24 hours. Full EN 10204 3.1 material certification provided with every order.
Healsmed
Leading Stainless Steel Capillary Tube Factory. 1,400+ standard sizes IN STOCK & ready to ship worldwide! High precision, factory-direct price.
