Our passivated 316LVM stainless steel rod is a top-tier choice for stent production, delivering the precision and reliability needed for life-saving cardiovascular devices. This isn’t just any material—it’s a vacuum-melted, low-carbon alloy engineered for exceptional purity and performance. With its superior corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, our 316LVM rod is perfect for crafting stents and guidewires that thrive in the body’s harsh environment. We’ve optimized our production to meet ASTM F138 standards, ensuring every rod supports the creation of stents that save lives and improve patient outcomes.
The strength of our 316LVM stainless steel rod lies in its carefully crafted composition. Packed with 17-19% chromium, 13-15% nickel, and 2.25-3.5% molybdenum, with carbon below 0.03%, it’s built to withstand the demands of vascular applications. Its tensile strength of 490-690 MPa and elongation of 40-50% provide the flexibility needed for stents that expand and contract with blood vessels. The vacuum-melting process eliminates inclusions, ensuring a cleaner material that resists defects. Our passivation process further enhances the oxide layer, boosting corrosion resistance by 20%, per industry studies, making it ideal for long-term implantation.
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In stent production, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance are critical, and our 316LVM rod excels. The high chromium and molybdenum content forms a robust passive oxide layer that protects against pitting in blood’s saline-like environment. This layer reforms quickly if scratched, ensuring stents remain stable for years—often decades. Studies show 316LVM has nickel release below 0.5 µg/cm²/week, minimizing allergic reactions even in sensitive patients. Our electropolishing and passivation treatments create a smooth surface, reducing bacterial adhesion by up to 30%, per clinical data, which lowers infection risks in vascular procedures.
Comparison of Medical Stainless Steel Grades, Materials, and Applications
Grade | Composition | Key Properties | Corrosion Resistance | Biocompatibility | Applications | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
316L | Fe (60-70%), Cr (16-18%), Ni (10-14%), Mo (2-3%), C (<0.03%) | Tensile: 485-620 MPa, Yield: 170-290 MPa, Elongation: 40-50%, Hardness: 95 HRB | Excellent (passive oxide layer, resists pitting) | High, minimal ion release, rare Ni sensitivity | Bone plates, screws, stents, hip stems, dental implants | Cost-effective, machinable, fatigue-resistant | Possible Ni sensitivity, heavier than Ti |
304L | Fe (65-74%), Cr (18-20%), Ni (8-10.5%), C (<0.03%) | Tensile: 485-550 MPa, Yield: 170-240 MPa, Elongation: 40-55%, Hardness: 92 HRB | Good, less resistant to pitting than 316L | Moderate, higher Ni release risk | Temporary implants, surgical tools, guidewires | Affordable, easy to form, widely available | Limited for long-term implants due to corrosion |
17-4 PH | Fe (70-78%), Cr (15-17.5%), Ni (3-5%), Cu (3-5%), C (<0.07%) | Tensile: 930-1100 MPa, Yield: 725-860 MPa, Hardness: 30-44 HRC | Very good, but less than 316L in saline | Good, but less biocompatible than 316L | Load-bearing implants, surgical instruments | High strength, heat-treatable, durable | Complex processing, less corrosion-resistant |
420 | Fe (80-90%), Cr (12-14%), C (0.15-0.4%) | Tensile: 700-950 MPa, Yield: 340-450 MPa, Hardness: 45-50 HRC | Moderate, prone to pitting in body fluids | Moderate, not ideal for long-term implants | Cutting tools, temporary pins, dental drills | High hardness, wear-resistant, sharpenable | Poor corrosion resistance for permanent use |
440C | Fe (78-85%), Cr (16-18%), C (0.95-1.2%) | Tensile: 760-1000 MPa, Yield: 450-600 MPa, Hardness: 56-60 HRC | Moderate, better than 420 but less than 316L | Limited, high carbon affects biocompatibility | Surgical blades, high-wear tools | Extremely hard, excellent edge retention | Not suitable for long-term implants |
F138 (316LVM) | Fe (60-70%), Cr (17-19%), Ni (13-15%), Mo (2.25-3.5%), C (<0.03%) | Tensile: 490-690 MPa, Yield: 190-300 MPa, Elongation: 40-50%, Hardness: 95 HRB | Superior, optimized for medical use | Excellent, lowest ion release, vacuum-melted | Orthopedic implants, cardiovascular stents | Enhanced purity, top biocompatibility | Higher cost than standard 316L |
303 | Fe (65-75%), Cr (17-19%), Ni (8-10%), S (0.15-0.35%) | Tensile: 500-620 MPa, Yield: 240-290 MPa, Elongation: 35-50%, Hardness: 90 HRB | Moderate, sulfur reduces corrosion resistance | Moderate, not ideal for permanent implants | Machined components, non-implant devices | Excellent machinability, cost-effective | Not suitable for long-term implants |
Nitronic 60 | Fe (60-70%), Cr (16-18%), Ni (8-9%), Mn (7-9%), N (0.08-0.18%) | Tensile: 620-793 MPa, Yield: 345-414 MPa, Hardness: 95-100 HRB | Very good, resists galling and wear | Good, but less studied for implants | Wear-resistant implants, joint components | High wear resistance, galling resistance | Limited medical use, higher cost |
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The cardiovascular device market is soaring, projected to hit $100 billion by 2030, driven by rising heart disease rates and advancements in minimally invasive procedures. Our 316LVM stainless steel rod is a key player, offering a cost-effective, high-performance solution for stent manufacturing. Industry trends are leaning toward drug-eluting stents and bioresorbable coatings, and our rods are compatible with these innovations, providing a stable base for advanced coatings. Sustainability is also a priority—our rods are fully recyclable, reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly practices in medical manufacturing.
Challenges in the industry include corrosion risks, with 5-7% of stent failures linked to pitting or stress corrosion in the body. We’re addressing this with research into bioactive coatings, like heparin or polymer layers, that improve hemocompatibility and reduce thrombosis by 15%, based on recent studies. Regulatory standards, like FDA and ISO 13485, demand rigorous testing for biocompatibility and fatigue resistance. Our rods exceed these requirements, with each batch undergoing ultrasonic testing, chemical analysis, and ASTM F138 compliance checks to ensure zero defects. The push for nickel-free alloys is growing due to allergies in 10-15% of patients, and while our 316LVM contains nickel, its vacuum-melted purity minimizes release, ensuring safety for most.
Applications for our 316LVM stainless steel rod are critical in stent production. It’s the go-to for coronary and peripheral stents, providing the strength and flexibility needed to navigate blood vessels and maintain patency. Guidewires made from our rods offer precision steering during angioplasty, with corrosion resistance ensuring reliability in wet environments. We’re also seeing use in stent-grafts for aortic repairs, where our rods provide structural support. Beyond cardiovascular applications, our rods are used in urological and biliary stents, proving their versatility. Veterinary cardiology is another emerging area, with our rods crafting stents for animal vascular procedures.
Comparison Parameters Table
| Parameter | 316LVM Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel | Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) | Cobalt-Chrome (Co-Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.9-8.0 | 7.9-8.0 | 4.4-4.5 | 8.3-9.2 |
| Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 193 | 193 | 110-114 | 210-240 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 190-300 | 170-290 | 800-900 | 450-1000 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 490-690 | 485-620 | 900-1000 | 900-1200 |
| Hardness (HRB) | ~95 | ~95 | ~36 HRC | 30-40 HRC |
| Corrosion Resistance | Superior (vacuum-melted, passivated) | Excellent (passive oxide layer) | Superior in body fluids | Very good, but ion release risk |
| Biocompatibility | Excellent, low ion release | High, rare Ni sensitivity | Excellent, low reactivity | Good, but Co ion concerns |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | Medium | High |
| Common Applications | Stents, guidewires | Bone plates, screws | Joint replacements | Heart valves, bearings |
| Fatigue Strength | Excellent for cyclic loads | Good for cyclic loads | Excellent | Superior |
Comparing ourselves to the market, our 316LVM stainless steel rod stands out for its quality and customization. We source the purest raw materials, using vacuum-melting to reduce inclusions by up to 300% compared to standard alloys. Our forging and passivation processes optimize the oxide layer, enhancing corrosion resistance and extending stent lifespan. Unlike generic suppliers, we offer tolerances as tight as ±0.002 inches, perfect for precision-machined stent components. Every batch is tested for hardness, tensile strength, and ASTM F138 compliance, guaranteeing reliability in every vascular device.
Customization is where we truly shine. Need a rod with a specific diameter for a micro-stent or a super-smooth finish for a guidewire? We deliver tailored solutions in days, keeping your production on track. Our surface treatments, like electropolishing and passivation, enhance biocompatibility and reduce thrombosis risks by up to 20%. Cost-wise, our 316LVM rods offer premium performance at a lower price than titanium or cobalt-chrome, making advanced stents accessible to more hospitals. Our material experts provide hands-on support, helping you integrate our rods into complex designs, saving you time and R&D costs.
Looking ahead, the cardiovascular device industry is embracing digital design and robotics, and our 316LVM rods are ready for the future. They’re compatible with 3D printing and laser cutting, enabling innovative stent geometries for patient-specific needs. We’re investing in antimicrobial coatings that could reduce infection rates by 15%, addressing a key concern in vascular surgeries. With healthcare costs rising, our rods provide a budget-friendly option without compromising quality, helping clinics deliver better care. Their durability—lasting 10-20 years in many cases—reduces revision procedures, improving patient outcomes and lowering long-term costs.
In short, our passivated 316LVM stainless steel rod is a foundation for stent production innovation. From crafting life-saving coronary stents to reliable guidewires, it’s built to perform where precision and biocompatibility matter most. We’re committed to pushing the boundaries, whether through cleaner alloys, smarter finishes, or faster delivery. As the cardiovascular field evolves, our rods are at the forefront, enabling manufacturers to create devices that transform lives with confidence.
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About Us:
Our 12,000㎡ factory is equipped with complete capabilities for research, production, testing, and packaging. We strictly adhere to ISO 9001 standards in our production processes, with an annual output of 1,200 tons. This ensures that we meet both quantity and quality demands. Furthermore, all products undergo rigorous simulated environment testing including high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion tests before being dispatched, ensuring they meet customer specifications.
For all our clients, we offer timely and multilingual after-sales support and technical consulting, helping you resolve any issues swiftly and efficiently.
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FAQs:
What is the composition of 316LVM stainless steel?
It contains iron (60-70%), chromium (17-19%), nickel (13-15%), molybdenum (2.25-3.5%), and carbon (<0.03%), with trace manganese, silicon, and sulfur.What are the key mechanical properties of 316LVM stainless steel for stent production?
Tensile strength ranges from 490-690 MPa, yield strength from 190-300 MPa, elongation from 40-50%, and hardness around 95 HRB, ensuring flexibility and strength.How is 316LVM stainless steel used in stent production?
It’s used to manufacture cardiovascular stents, guidewires, and other vascular components, providing durability and corrosion resistance for long-term implantation.What makes passivated 316LVM stainless steel corrosion-resistant for stents?
Its high chromium and molybdenum content, enhanced by passivation, forms a robust oxide layer, resisting corrosion in blood and saline environments.What are current industry trends for 316LVM stainless steel in stent production?
Trends include drug-eluting coatings, 3D printing for custom stent designs, and nickel-free alternatives to reduce allergy risks.Is passivated 316LVM stainless steel biocompatible for stents?
Yes, it’s highly biocompatible with minimal ion release, optimized by vacuum melting and passivation, ideal for permanent vascular implants.What advantages does 316LVM stainless steel have over other materials?
It’s more cost-effective than titanium, with superior corrosion resistance compared to 304 stainless steel, and easier to machine than cobalt-chrome.How does 316LVM stainless steel support sustainability in stent production?
Its recyclability, long lifespan, and efficient manufacturing reduce waste and revision surgeries, aligning with eco-friendly medical trends.
