Surgical steel 316L is a stainless steel alloy that is often used in medical and surgical instruments due to its durability and strength. The material counteracts corrosion and is a biocompatible substance. The L suffix in 316L steel indicates that it has a lower carbon content than other stainless steel alloys, making it more malleable and less prone to corrosion.

Is surgical steel 316L hypoallergenic?

Surgical steel 316L is considered hypoallergenic because it is a biocompatible material, meaning it does not cause an excessive immune reaction or inflammation in the body. Therefore, it is often used in medical and surgical instruments, such as implants, dentures and piercings. 316L is also resistant to corrosion and rust, making it suitable for use in the body as it does not release foreign substances that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. To reduce possible allergies for you and our customers, we have chosen to use this brilliant material.

Does surgical steel rust or oxidize?

Surgical steel 316L is a durable and durable material that is resistant to rust and oxidation. That is one of the reasons why it is often used in medical and surgical instruments as it does not emit substances that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. However, it is important to remember that materials, including stainless steel, can be affected by environmental factors and that it is important to take care of your jewelry to maintain its durability and quality. We have treated our jewelry with PVD to make it extra wear-resistant and resistant to oxidation and wear so that you can feel confident in carrying out your everyday routines. The combination of our material choices and treatment enables us to give you a lifetime warranty on our products. You can easily live your everyday life such as showering, exercising, swimming in the pool and washing dishes, without having to take off your jewelry. Jewelry should be easy to wear!

Is surgical steel nickel free?

Surgical steel 316L contains nickel. Nickel is an important component of the alloy that contributes to its good corrosion resistance and formability. Unfortunately, nickel is a common cause of allergic reactions in some individuals, especially in connection with skin contact. The EU has specific limit values ​​for the amount of nickel that may be released from jewelry and other contact surfaces used on the skin. According to EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS), jewelery must not emit more than 0.5 µg of nickel per cm2 per week. This limit applies to products that are in direct contact with the skin, including jewelry, bracelets, hairpins, piercings, and watches. The goal of the limit is to minimize the risk of allergic reactions and skin irritations. Our jewelry is tested and stays within the permitted EU limit, and therefore many people who are sensitive to nickel can wear our jewelry. But if you are extremely sensitive, we recommend that you choose our jewelery made of titanium which is completely nickel-free. You can find these here: t itan jewelry .If, against all odds, you should have problems, you always have 60 days to return the item. Of course, we want you to feel good and it should be easy and safe to shop with us. Therefore, if you have any problems, just contact us at info@susannafalken.com and we will solve it.

What is stainless steel?

Stainless steel is an alloy of steel containing at least 10.5% chromium and other metals such as nickel and molybdenum. The chromium acts as a protective layer that prevents the steel from rusting, and other metals give the steel improved durability and formability.

Stainless steel is a popular material because of its durability, resistance to oxidation and because it looks nice and shiny. It is used in a variety of products such as kitchenware, architecture, medical instruments, auto parts and jewelry.

There are different types of stainless steel: 300 series, 400 series and surgical steel, among others. Each type of stainless steel has its own unique properties and is suitable for different products.

The most common stainless steels for jewelry making are 304 and 316.

What is the difference between 304 and 316L

304 and 316L are both types of stainless steel, but they have some important differences in terms of composition and properties.

304 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and 11% nickel. It is a durable and resistant material with good formability, but it is not very suitable for people with sensitive skin because it contains a higher proportion of nickel.

316L stainless steel contains about 16% chromium and 10% nickel, as well as molybdenum and other metals. It has the same good durability and formability as 304 stainless steel, but it has a lower nickel content and is therefore more hypoallergenic.

If you are looking for jewelry that is durable, hard-wearing and suitable for people with sensitive skin, you should consider 316L stainless steel. However, if you do not have any allergies or sensitivities, 304 stainless steel can also be a good choice due to its good durability and malleability. We do not sell jewelry in 304 stainless steel, we only use 316L or titanium as we believe that the quality suits our customers better. Once you have become allergic to nickel, you are allergic to it for the rest of your life.

CONTENTS IN 304 VS 316 Type C min P Si cr You Mo 304 ≤0.08 ≤2.0 ≤0.045 ≤1.0 18-20 10-14   304L ≤0.03 ≤2.0 ≤0.045 ≤1.0 18-20 10-14   316 ≤0.08 ≤2.0 ≤0.045 ≤1.0 16-18 8-11 2.0-3.0 316L ≤0.03 ≤2.0 ≤0.045 ≤1.0 16-18 8-11 2.0-3.0

 

What is the difference between surgical steel and stainless steel?

Surgical steel and stainless steel are two durable alloys of steel with high durability, but there are important differences between them.

Surgical steel is a specific type of stainless steel that is specially developed for use in medical and surgical instruments. It is usually a high-quality alloy with a unique composition that provides good corrosion resistance, formability and durability. Surgical steel is also hypoallergenic and has low levels of foreign substances such as nickel and chromium, which makes it safe to use in products that are in direct contact with the skin.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is a broad category of steel alloys with good corrosion resistance. Stainless steel can be used in a variety of products, including jewelry, cookware, building materials, automobiles, and electronics. The alloy of stainless steel and the levels of nickel, chromium and other foreign substances vary according to its application. In short, surgical steel is a special type of stainless steel that is developed for medical and surgical purposes and has specific properties that make it safe and suitable for these uses.

For our jewelry in surgical steel

Can you shower with surgical steel?

Yes, you can shower with surgical steel. Surgical steel is a robust and durable form of stainless steel, so it can withstand daily activities such as showering, washing dishes, swimming in the pool and working out. Although surgical steel is not particularly sensitive, we do not recommend prolonged exposure to water. But swimming on the beach and jumping in the pool with your jewelry on are no problem. You can even accidentally throw them in the washing machine and the color will last. Note that only stainless steel / surgical steel 316 and 316l can handle salt water and pools with chlorine. Other stainless jewelry can be damaged by water and chemicals.

Is surgical steel good?

Yes, surgical steel is a very good form of stainless steel that has many advantages for a variety of uses, including medical and surgical applications. Some of the main advantages of surgical steel include:

1. Quality: Surgical steel is a high quality stainless steel with a high resistance to oxidation and corrosion, making it suitable for use in a variety of environments.
2. Hygiene: Surgical steel is an easy-to-clean material suitable for use in medical and surgical applications where high hygiene is necessary.
3. Hypoallergenic: Surgical steel has low levels of allergens, including low nickel content, making it a hypoallergenic material suitable for people with sensitive skin.
4. Durability: Surgical steel is a durable and durable form of stainless steel that can withstand a variety of loads and stresses.
5. Recyclable: It can be recycled or reused in an environmentally friendly way. It is a durable material that does not need to be replaced as often, so it reduces the total amount of waste produced, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

Medical titanium is an alloy of titanium and other metals used in medical and surgical products. It is a light, strong and biocompatible material that can be used in the body because it contains low levels of substances that can cause allergies. Therefore, titanium is a popular material for implants, such as hip and knee prostheses, and dental implants. Medical titanium retains its color and has a long life, making it a sustainable option for many medical applications.

What is ASTM F-67?

There are different types/grades of medical grade titanium, F-67 being the purest form. To be classified as F -67 , it must contain at least 99.0% titanium and less than 0.25% of other elements such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and iron. Aluminum is included in the list of other permitted metallic elements, but its maximum content cannot be more than 0.1%.

Our supplier uses pure medical grade titanium that is analyzed by RISE (RESEARCH INSTITUTES OF SWEDEN). The analysis showed that the titanium contains 100% titanium and 0.08% aluminum.

ASTM F -67 is a standard that specifies the requirements for osseointegrating (implants that attach to bone) dental implants for humans. The standard was developed by the American organization ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) and describes the physical and chemical requirements for the materials, design, testing and documentation of dental implants.

The basic idea for us in following these guidelines/requirements is to be able to create safe earrings with the least risk of allergic reactions.

Why is medical titanium hypoallergenic?

Medical titanium is hypoallergenic because it is a biocompatibility material - that is, how it is absorbed by the body without causing allergic reactions. Titanium is one of the most biocompatible metals and thus very gentle on the body. Titanium alloys are well suited to the body as they have a smooth surface, which reduces the risk of infections and allergic reactions. It is also hypoallergenic, which means that titanium has low levels of foreign substances such as nickel and chromium, which can cause allergies in some people.

In summary, medical titanium is hypoallergenic because it:

• Is a biocompatibility material - a material foreign to the body that is accepted without adversely affecting the body.
• Has low levels of allergenic substances.
• Has a smooth surface, which reduces the risk of allergy and infections when it is in the body.

Does medical grade titanium oxidize or rust?

Medical grade titanium is durable and does not rust to the same extent as other metals. Titanium has a natural protective layer against oxidation that acts as a barrier against further oxidation and corrosion. It has been shown that titanium's protective layer also has improved biocompatibility compared to other metals. Therefore, titanium is an attractive material choice for medical and surgical products.

However, it is important to note that all metals, including medical titanium, can be affected by a certain amount of corrosion under specific circumstances, such as high temperatures, high salinity in the environment, or high concentrations of acids. So, although medical grade titanium has good corrosion resistance, it is important to take appropriate measures to minimize corrosion and maintain its performance in medical and surgical applications.

Is medical grade titanium nickel free?

Yes, medical grade titanium is nickel free. Titanium is a natural metal, one of our basic elements that rarely contains nickel and other allergenic elements. Medical titanium alloys used in implants and other medical applications are specially formulated to contain low levels of allergenic substances. This makes medical grade titanium a hypoallergenic material that rarely causes allergic reactions compared to other metals.

In short, medical titanium is nickel-free and is therefore a safe and hypoallergenic material choice that we have chosen to make some of our earrings in. Some of our earrings are 100% medical titanium, others have titanium pins with surgical steel motifs and some of they are 100% surgical steel.

See our various jewelry in metal categories here.

100% Titanium, Titanium pin with figure in surgical steel, 100% surgical steel

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a technique used to treat steel jewelry to improve both the jewelry's durability and appearance. PVD treatment is created by subjecting the steel to high pressure and temperature, which creates a coating on another metal, such as stainless steel or titanium. In this way, we cover the surface of our jewelry.

The advantages of PVD coating are that the jewelery holds up better against wear and oxidation but also against impacts. The color also lasts better which means it won't fade or fade over time. The PVD coating is smooth and shiny, which makes the jewelry look more shiny and elegant.

What is the difference between gold plating and PVD coating

Gold plating and PVD treatment are two different methods of treating / gilding metals with important differences.

Gold plating involves covering a metal with a thin layer of gold. Often it is copper or nickel that is coated using an electrochemical process. Gold plating gives jewelry a beautiful gold color, but the coating is often thin and susceptible to damage, so it doesn't last forever.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is another technique where, with the help of a vacuum process, the pressure and temperature of the gold is raised, which creates a layer on an underlying metal such as titanium or surgical steel. This method makes the jewelery durable against shocks, discoloration and oxidation, as well as giving it a shiny surface.

Overall, gold plating is a more traditional method of "gilding" jewelry with gold, while PVD is a more advanced technology that gives the jewelry a more durable surface with more color possibilities.

How does the pvd process work?

The PVD process, or Physical Vapor Deposition, is an advanced technology used to coat steel with a thin coating of another metal, such as stainless steel or titanium. The process works as follows:

• Preparation: The jewelry is cleaned and pre-treated to ensure that the coating has a smooth surface and holds well.
• Vacuum chamber: The jewelry is placed in a vacuum chamber that is sealed and the air is emptied to create a vacuum environment.
• Add metal powder: Another metal is put under high pressure and high temperature, causing it to break down into a powder form. This powder is applied to the surface of the jewelry.
• Plating: Once the powder has been placed on the piece of jewelry, the metal is heated again at a high temperature. The powder melts and settles as a thin film with an even surface.
• Finishing treatment: Once the coating has set, the jewelry is ready to wear. Sometimes it may need additional treatment, such as polishing, to improve its appearance and durability.

The PVD process is a complex technology that requires a vacuum environment with high temperatures and pressure to obtain a smooth and durable coating. The result is a piece of jewelery with a durable color and surface that withstands both rust and impacts.

Is a piece of jewelry with PVD gold the same quality as a gold-plated piece of jewelry?

It is difficult to compare the quality between a gold plated piece of jewelery and a piece of PVD gold jewelery as there are a variety of factors that affect the quality of each type of piece of jewellery.

Gold plating is a method where a thin layer of real gold is applied to the surface of another material, such as copper or silver. The gold plating can be thin and delicate, and it is not unusual for the plated gold to begin to flake or wear off over time, especially if the piece is used frequently or exposed to hard impacts.

PVD gold, on the other hand, is a process where a coating of gold is used to cover a surface. This coating is much more durable than a traditional gold plating, and more resistant to rust, discoloration and other forms of wear and tear. The PVD coating can also be made much thicker than a gold plating, meaning it has a longer lifespan.

So while a gold plating may have a similar appearance to PVD gold, it is rarely as durable or long-lasting. It is therefore important to think about the quality when choosing a gold-plated piece of jewelery or a piece of jewelery with PVD gold.