Materials Used by MOXIE in Manufacturing Various Types of Instrumentation
AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute): Identifies and catalogs steel formulations using a numbering system (e.g., AISI 304, AISI 410).
ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials): Establishes standards and specifications for metallic and non-metallic materials.
Austenitic Stainless Steel (Series 300): Non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant steel with 18% chromium and 8% nickel (also known as 18-8 stainless steel). It cannot be heat-hardened but can be work-hardened.
Martensitic Stainless Steel (Series 400): Magnetic, heat-hardenable steel with high tensile strength and good edge retention. It contains carbon, low chromium, and traces of other elements like manganese, silicon, and nickel.
BS 5194: Part 1
DIN 58298
ISO 7153-1
AISI 304: Used for non-hardened instruments like speculums, retractor blades, nuts, screws, and pins.
AISI 316L (SMO): High-purity, low-carbon stainless steel ideal for orthopedic implants and instruments in prolonged contact with implants.
AISI 410: Commonly used for non-cutting instruments like hemostats and forceps, with Rockwell Hardness C-40 to C-45.
AISI 420 & 440: Preferred for cutting instruments (e.g., scissors, knives, bone cutters). AISI 420 has Rockwell Hardness C-48 to C-50, while AISI 440 reaches C-55 for extra hardness.
ASTM F67 (Grades 1, 2, 4): Strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant material used in microsurgical instruments, mandible implants, and hip prostheses. It is biocompatible and can be finished in blue but may discolor after repeated autoclaving.
Grade GC20: The hardest man-made material with Rockwell Hardness C-86, often used in needle holders, scissors, and wire cutters. Recognizable by gold-plated handles.
Sterling Silver (92.5% Silver): Used in trachea tubes, eye probes, and hemostatic clips. Prone to oxidation but easily restored by polishing.
German Silver: A silver-nickel alloy, more durable and economical than sterling silver.
Brass & Copper: Used for instruments requiring malleability, such as proctoscopes and retractor blades, often plated for surface protection.
Aluminum: Used for sterilization containers, instrument handles, and splints due to its durability, lightweight, and heat dissipation properties. Hard anodizing provides protection and color coding.
Rubber, Plastic, Silicone, and Tufnell: Used for flexibility, chemical resistance, impact strength, and cost-effectiveness. Latex rubber use is discouraged due to potential allergic reactions.
Silver Plating: Applied to copper and brass instruments, with a minimum thickness of 0.0010 inches. Malleable instruments benefit as the plating does not crack when bent.
Nickel Plating: Strong adhesion to carbon steel, reducing surface flaws. Common in veterinary and general-purpose scissors.
Chrome Plating: Applied to carbon steel, copper, and brass, ensuring uniform finish and corrosion resistance.
Black Chrome Plating: Reduces glare under microscopes. Traditional ebonizing methods have been discontinued due to toxicity concerns.
MOXIE continues to innovate with high-quality materials and modern manufacturing techniques to ensure durability, functionality, and safety in surgical instrumentation.