316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel
316LVM VS 316L STAINLESS STEEL
Understanding 316LVM
Stainless Steel 316LVM is a Vaccum Melted variant of 316L, hence the addition of words VM to 316L. The first thing that needs clarification is the term 316LVM, There is no such grade of material called 316LVM. The vaccum remelting process is essential to "purify" the metal to ensure it is biocompatible to use. The major applications of 316LVM is Medical Devices and Equipments due to the micro-cleanliness (inclusion limitations) achieved from Vaccum Remelting Process. The material confirms to ASTM F-138 Standard which outlines the specifications for Stainless Steel Rods and Wires for Surgical Implants.
The application of 316LVM is Medical Devices in the Area of Osteosynthese, Boneplates and Screws, System for Hip Screws, Intramedullary Nails, High-Strength Steinman-Pins and Fixing Systems, Surgical Implants, Cerclage-Wire, Coronary Stents, Minimal Invasive Instruments and more.
Understanding 316L
Stainless Steel 316L is a low-carbon variant of stainless steel grade 316. It shares most of characteristics of the grade 316 such as Corrosion Resistance, Creep Resistance, Durability, etc. 316L is a very good candidate for Industrial Applications and High-Chloride Environments. 316L is considered food grade yet it can not be directly used for surgical and medical applications. It has to undergo Vaccum Melting process to be qualified as Surgical Grade as per ASTM F-138.
The application of 316L is Food preparation equipment particularly in chloride environments, Pharmaceuticals, Marine applications, Architectural applications and more.
316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel: Manufacturing Process
The difference between 316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel is very clear. The process of manufacturing is what makes 316LVM different from 316L Stainless Steel. The Vaccum Remelting Process (VM) makes 316LVM "pure" and biocompatible to be used in Medical Devices and Equipments. 316L is food grade but not pure enough to be used under critical medical suitations and manufacturing medical equipments such as Surgical Implants. Vaccum Melting achieves micro-cleanliness (inclusion limitations) of the material which is required by the industry standards which makes a prominent difference between 316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel.
The Vacuum Melt process is typically a second melt, sometimes referred to as a premium melt. Micro-cleanliness plays a very important role in qualifying a material as Implant Quality, the additional Nickel plays a very important role also. The ASTM-F138 requires a Nickel content of 13.00/15.50% to insure the material does not become magnetic during cold working, which is often part of the manufacturing process. It also offers additional corrosion resistance.
316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel: Available Form
Another Difference in 316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel is the standard form of material supplied. As 316LVM Stainless Steel has a major application in Medical and Surgical catergory, it is usually supplied in Rod and Round Bars form. 316LVM Rods are available with Raykam Alloys in India. Whereas, 316L Stainless Steel is usually available in almost all industrial forms like Sheets, Plates, Coils, Pipes, Rods, Bars, Fittings, etc. This is an important difference in 316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel as only Rods are readily available for 316LVM.
316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel: Applications
According to ASTM F-138, 316LVM is specifically designed to be used as Surgical Implants and Medical Devices. The biocompatibility of 316LVM allows the equipments to be used on and inside the body of the patient. Whereas, 316L has mostly industrial applications such as food processing equipments and high-stress structures. This difference in 316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel is important to note as non-vaccum melted 316L is not suitable for biomedical purposes.
316LVM VS 316L Stainless Steel: The Conclusion
Stainless Steel grades list keeps growing every year with new innovative grades being created by reputed companies and researchers to solve the modern and advanced problems. 316LVM is one of the major breakthroughs in Medical and Surgical Industry. Raykam Alloys LLP is a stockist of 316LVM in Mumbai and we aim to make this outstanding available to every medical manufacturer in need of it. We advice you to stay alert as there are sellers who would sell 316L with a forged Test Certificate as 316LVM. We at Raykam frown upon these practices, every life is precious and playing with genuinity of medical products can endanger it.
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