
316L is usually the first choice for medical manufacturing but it is not the only stainless steel that is available for healthcare applications. Other grades of medical stainless steel may be better suited for your purposes and/or more cost effective. But let's start with 316L. Here is why it is the 'go-to' stainless steel for most medical applications…

Choosing the wrong material can lead to costly failures, production delays, and unreliable parts. Hardness testing helps you avoid these issues by showing how materials respond to pressure, wear, and force. It provides the data you need to make confident and cost-effective decisions. This guide covers the most widely used hardness testing methods, including Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, Knoop, and Shore.