This part of ISO 7153 contains a survey and a selection of stainless steels available for use in the manufacture of surgical, dental and specific instruments for orthopaedic surgery.
NOTE 1 When selecting the grade of steel and the shape, dimensions and delivery conditions of the raw material for manufacturing surgical instruments, it is necesssary to take into account factors, such as the design of the instrument or the production facilities of the manufacturer, that are not covered by this part of ISO 7153. For this reason, it is not intended, nor is it possible, that the information given in this part of ISO 7153 should remove the decision-making responsibility from the instrument manufacturer for selecting an appropriate raw product with suitable properties; nor is it intended to preclude the use of other types of steel in the manufacture of instruments, such as the use of carbon steel for cutting instruments. International Standards for surgical instruments, when published, should be observed when making this decision as they may contain additional or new information to be taken into account when selecting appropriate steel grades.