Material & Technology
Stainless Steel.
The proven standard of surgery. Robust, sterilizable, precise – the first choice for decades.
Material & Technology
The proven standard of surgery. Robust, sterilizable, precise – the first choice for decades.
The Material
Surgical stainless steel is the most widely used material for surgical instruments worldwide. It offers an excellent combination of hardness, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness that makes it the gold standard in surgery.
MICROQORE MEDICAL exclusively uses stainless steel of the highest grade (material numbers 1.4021 and 1.4028). These alloys are distinguished by particularly high hardness and edge retention – indispensable properties for micro instruments that must deliver peak performance with every use.
Properties
Surgical steel 4028 achieves hardness values of up to 58 HRC. This guarantees long-lasting cutting ability and precise jaws over thousands of uses.
The high chromium content (min. 12%) forms a passive protective layer that shields the instrument from corrosion by blood, tissue, and sterilization agents.
Stainless steel instruments can be safely steam sterilized at 134°C – thousands of times, without material degradation or loss of function.
Surgical steel retains its shape and spring force even after intensive use. The elastic properties guarantee consistent closing force and haptics.
The standard material in surgery for over 100 years. Surgeons worldwide trust in the proven properties and familiar handling.
Stainless steel offers an excellent price-performance ratio. High-quality instruments at a fraction of the cost of specially coated variants.
Our Steel Grades
MICROQORE MEDICAL uses two specific stainless steel alloys optimized for use in surgical instruments.
| Property | 1.4021 (X20Cr13) | 1.4028 (X30Cr13) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Up to 52 HRC | Up to 58 HRC |
| Chromium Content | 12-14% | 12-14% |
| Carbon Content | 0.16-0.25% | 0.26-0.35% |
| Application | Handles, housings, springs | Jaws, blades, tips |
| Characteristic | Higher elasticity | Superior edge retention |
| Corrosion Protection | Very good | Very good |
Quality
Heat Treatment: The correct hardening and tempering temperature determines the quality of the instrument. MICROQORE MEDICAL uses precisely controlled vacuum hardening for optimal results.
Surface Finishing: Every instrument is ground, polished, and passivated in multiple stages. The mirror-smooth surface prevents adhesion and facilitates cleaning.
Raw Material Quality: Only certified surgical steel from European production is used. Every batch is traceable and documented with a material certificate.
Final Inspection: Every single instrument is manually inspected before delivery – for function, appearance, and dimensional accuracy.
Coatings
Our stainless steel instruments can optionally be enhanced with various coatings to improve specific properties:
TC Coating (Tungsten Carbide): Tungsten carbide inserts in the jaws for maximum holding power. Recognizable by the golden grips.
SuperCut: Specially ground cutting edges for particularly soft, atraumatic cutting. Ideal for delicate tissue.
Titanium Coating: For those who want the best of both worlds. Learn more about titanium →
Configure your instrument in stainless steel or get individual consultation.