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.

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.