Materials for medical machiningChoose the material
before the tolerance.

26 medical grades, including 6 implantable, all stocked in our production system. Each data sheet states what the standard says, then what we do with it in the shop.

EN 10204 3.1material certificate with every lot
Heat → parttraceability up to the lot file
Customer materialaccepted, with incoming inspection

Choosing a medical material: where to start

Material selection guide
Your part	What matters	Grades to consider
The part stays in the body	Strength and MRI, wear, radiolucency, low friction	Ti-6Al-4V ELI 316LVM CoCrMo PEEK UHMWPE
The instrument cuts or drills	Maximum hardness, edge retention after sterilization	1.4123 (X15TN)Z30C13 1.4543 (MX455)
The instrument guides, clamps or transmits a load	Strength, toughness, low distortion during heat treatment	17-4PH 1.4543 (MX455)X17
Handle, case or color code	Sterilization cycles, lasting color, light weight	PPSU PP (Propylux HS, HS2)

Compare materials before choosing

Two views that guide most choices: stiffness compared with bone, and strength relative to weight. Detailed values are in the table and on each data sheet.

Young’s modulus of implantable materialsGPa · gray band: cortical bone, 10 to 30 GPa

The further the modulus is from that of bone, the more load the implant carries in its place: this is stress shielding. Hence PEEK for spinal cages and titanium for stems.

Ultimate tensile strength and densitylogarithmic scales · UTS in MPa, ρ in g/cm³

Implantable
Instruments
Polymers

Titanium offers the best strength for its weight among implantable materials; precipitation-hardening stainless steels are the strongest for instrumentation.

Physical and mechanical properties

Sort by

Material	Condition	ρ g/cm³	E GPa	YS 0.2% MPa	UTS MPa	El. %	Hardness	α 10⁻⁶/K	λ W/m·K	Magnetic
Ti-6Al-4V ELI	annealed	4.43	110–114	≥ 795	≥ 860	≥ 10	≈ 32–36 HRC	8.6	6.7	No
316LVM	annealed / cold-worked	8.0	193	≥ 190 / ≥ 690	≥ 490 / ≥ 860	≥ 40 / ≥ 12	≈ 85 HRB annealed	16.0	16	No (slight after cold work)
CoCrMo	annealed / hot-worked	8.3	210–230	≥ 517 / ≥ 827	≥ 897 / ≥ 1,172	≥ 20 / ≥ 12	≈ 35–45 HRC	12.5	13	No
UHMWPE	GUR 1020 / 1050	0.93	≈ 0.7	≥ 21	≥ 27	≥ 300	≈ 60–65 Shore D	150.0	0.4	No
PEEK	unfilled	1.3	3.6–4	—	≈ 95	≈ 30	≈ 85 Shore D	47.0	0.25	No
17-4PH	H900	7.8	197	≥ 1,170	≥ 1,310	≥ 10	40–44 HRC	10.8	18	Yes
1.4543 (MX455)	H900	7.8	200	≈ 1,500	≈ 1,600	≈ 8	47–50 HRC	10.6	18	Yes
1.4123 (X15TN)	hardened and tempered	7.7	210	—	—	—	55–58 HRC	10.5	16	Yes
Z30C13	hardened and tempered	7.7	215	—	—	—	48–52 HRC	10.5	30	Yes
X17	hardened and tempered	7.7	215	≈ 700	≈ 900	≈ 12	40–45 HRC	10.0	25	Yes
PPSU (Radel R-5500)	medical grade	1.29	2.3	—	≈ 70	≈ 60	—	56.0	0.3	No
Heat-stabilized PP (Propylux HS, HS2)	heat-stabilized PP	0.91	≈ 1.5	—	≈ 32	> 50	—	110.0	0.2	No
Tantalum	annealed	16.6	186	≥ 140	≥ 207	≥ 25	—	6.5	57	No

Values at room temperature. “≥”: minimum of the standard cited on the data sheet; “≈”: typical manufacturer value. The actual properties of a lot appear on its 3.1 certificate. YS: yield strength (Rp0.2); UTS: ultimate tensile strength (Rm); El.: elongation (A).

Implantable materials

Metals and polymers intended to remain in the body. Every bar arrives with its heat certificate, and that number follows you all the way to the lot file.

3.7165 Ti-6Al-4V ELI · Grade 23 (grade 5 on request) Implantable In regular production

Titanium Ti-6Al-4V ELI

The best strength-to-weight ratio among implantable metals. Its modulus, about half that of stainless steel, limits stress shielding; it is non-ferromagnetic and produces few MRI artifacts.

Standards: ISO 5832-3 · ASTM F136 · microstructure ISO 20160
Composition: Al 5.5–6.5% · V 3.5–4.5% · O ≤ 0.13% · Fe ≤ 0.25%
Applications: Spinal pedicle screws and rods, dental implants, osteosynthesis plates and screws, acetabular components.

Density: 4.43g/cm³
Modulus E: 110–114GPa
UTS: ≥ 860MPa
YS 0.2%: ≥ 795MPa
Hardness: ≈ 32–36 HRC
Expansion α: 8.610⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: annealed. UTS ≥ 860 MPa · YS ≥ 795 MPa · El. ≥ 10% (ASTM F136 minimums)

Design and machining noteIn an implant, avoid direct contact with stainless steel or CoCr (galvanic corrosion, fretting). In machining, heat concentrates on the tool: moderate cutting speeds, abundant coolant.

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, 5-axis milling, mill-turning
Stocked bars: Ø 2 to 65 mm, plates; Swiss-turning bars with UTS > 1,030 MPa
Origin: Bars of European or US origin, specified at order
Finishing: Bead blasting, vibratory finishing, color anodizing (subcontracted), UDI laser marking, cleaning

Get a quote for a part in Ti-6Al-4V ELI

1.4441 X2CrNiMo18-15-3 · vacuum remelted Implantable In regular production

316LVM stainless steel

Vacuum remelting gives it far higher inclusion cleanliness than standard 316L: fewer initiation sites for pitting corrosion and fatigue cracks.

Standards: ISO 5832-1 · ASTM F138
Composition: Cr 17–19% · Ni 13–15% · Mo 2.25–3% · C ≤ 0.030%
Applications: Osteosynthesis screws and plates, pins, nails, temporary implants.

Density: 8.0g/cm³
Modulus E: 193GPa
UTS: ≥ 490 / ≥ 860MPa
YS 0.2%: ≥ 190 / ≥ 690MPa
Hardness: ≈ 85 HRB annealed
Expansion α: 16.010⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: annealed / cold-worked. UTS ≥ 490 MPa annealed · ≥ 860 MPa cold-worked (ISO 5832-1)

Design and machining noteWork-hardens during machining: positive cuts, sharp tools, otherwise the surface hardens under the tool.

At Precimade

Processes: Tornos DECO Swiss-type turning, milling, mill-turning
Stocked bars: Ø 2 to 70 mm, h7 to h9 tolerances
Finishing: Passivation, electropolishing, vibratory finishing, UDI laser marking

Get a quote for a part in 316LVM

CoCrMo CoCr28Mo6 wrought Implantable On request

Cobalt-chromium CoCrMo

Unmatched hardness and wear resistance among implantable alloys: it is the alloy of bearing surfaces.

Standards: ISO 5832-12 · ASTM F1537
Composition: Co balance · Cr 26–30% · Mo 5–7%
Applications: Femoral heads, knee components, dental abutments, rigid spinal rods.

Density: 8.3g/cm³
Modulus E: 210–230GPa
UTS: ≥ 897 / ≥ 1,172MPa
YS 0.2%: ≥ 517 / ≥ 827MPa
Hardness: ≈ 35–45 HRC
Expansion α: 12.510⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: annealed / hot-worked. UTS ≥ 897 MPa annealed, ≥ 1,172 MPa hot-worked (ASTM F1537)

Design and machining noteVery abrasive for tools; plan tight tolerances with a longer cycle time.

At Precimade

Processes: Mill-turning, 5-axis milling
Stocked bars: Ø 6 to 10 mm; other diameters on request
Finishing: Polishing, bead blasting, UDI laser marking

Get a quote for a part in Cobalt-chromium CoCrMo

PE-UHMW GUR 1020 · GUR 1050 · crosslinked version Implantable On request

UHMWPE polyethylene

The bearing partner of prostheses: it glides against metal or ceramic with very low wear.

Standards: ISO 5834-1 and -2 · ASTM F648
Composition: Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene: ≈ 3.5 million g/mol (1020), ≈ 5.5 million g/mol (1050)
Applications: Acetabular inserts (1020), tibial plateaus and knee inserts (1050), gliding implants.

Density: 0.93g/cm³
Modulus E: ≈ 0.7GPa
UTS: ≥ 27MPa
YS 0.2%: ≥ 21MPa
Hardness: ≈ 60–65 Shore D
Expansion α: 150.010⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: GUR 1020 / 1050. Low coefficient of friction against CoCr and ceramic; crosslinking reduces wear

Design and machining noteVery low stiffness: controlled clamping and cutting forces so the part does not deform; high thermal expansion.

At Precimade

Processes: 5-axis milling, turning
Stocked material: Rods Ø 20 to 60 mm, standard and crosslinked
Machining points: Dedicated sharpened tools, controlled clamping forces, contamination-free deburring

Get a quote for a part in UHMWPE polyethylene

PEEK polyetheretherketone · implant grade and industrial grade ImplantableInstrument / device In regular production

PEEK

Radiolucent: bone fusion remains visible on X-ray. Stiff, stable and sterilizable, it is the alternative to metal in the spine.

Standards: ASTM F2026 (implant grade) · ISO 10993 (medical grades)
Composition: High-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic
Applications: Implants in ASTM F2026 grade: interbody cages, radiolucent implants. In industrial grade, for ancillary non-implant functions: handles and instrument components.

Density: 1.3g/cm³
Modulus E: 3.6–4GPa
UTS: ≈ 95MPa
YS 0.2%: —MPa
Hardness: ≈ 85 Shore D
Expansion α: 47.010⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: unfilled. Modulus ≈ 4 GPa · steam sterilizable · radiolucent

Design and machining noteThermal expansion ≈ 5 times that of titanium: a ±10 µm dimension is measured at 20 °C (ISO 1), after the part has stabilized.

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling, mill-turning
Stocked material: Rods Ø 6 to 70 mm (including ground), plates up to 30 mm
Customer material: Implant grade often supplied by the customer, inspected on receipt and traced
Finishing: Deburring, cleaning, laser marking

Get a quote for a part in PEEK

Other implantable materials
Grade	Designation	Reference	Use	Availability
Tantalum	Ta	ISO 13782 · ASTM F560	Radiopaque markers in PEEK or UHMWPE implants	On request

Steels for surgical instruments

Stainless steels for reusable instrumentation: hardness to cut and last, corrosion resistance to withstand hundreds of washing and sterilization cycles.References: ASTM F899 · ISO 7153-1 · EN 10088-3 designations

1.4542 X5CrNiCuNb16-4 · AISI 630 · F16PH Instrument / device In regular production Our most stocked grade

17-4PH stainless steel

Precipitation hardened at low temperature: the part distorts very little during treatment, so it can be machined almost to size before hardening.

Standards: ASTM F899 · EN 10088-3
Composition: Cr 15–17% · Ni 3–5% · Cu 3–5% · Nb
Applications: Shafts, instrument bodies and guides, surgical instruments, cutting jigs.

Density: 7.8g/cm³
Modulus E: 197GPa
UTS: ≥ 1,310MPa
YS 0.2%: ≥ 1,170MPa
Hardness: 40–44 HRC
Expansion α: 10.810⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: H900. Hardness ≈ 40–44 HRC after H900 aging (order of magnitude)

Design and machining noteDimensional shrinkage of about 0.05% during H900 aging: build it into the process plan if the part is machined before treatment.

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling, mill-turning
Stocked material: Bars Ø 1 to 100 mm, flats, plates
Treatment: Heat treatment subcontracted, controlled within our quality system

Get a quote for a part in 17-4PH

1.4543 X3CrNiCuTiNb12-9 · ASTM XM-16 Instrument / device In regular production

1.4543 stainless steel (MX455)

Harder than 17-4PH while keeping toughness: suited to jaws and tips that must neither break nor dull.

Standards: ASTM F899 · EN 10088-3
Composition: Cr 11–12.5% · Ni 7.5–9.5% · Cu · Ti
Applications: Forceps, needle holders, jaws, needles and fine instruments.

Density: 7.8g/cm³
Modulus E: 200GPa
UTS: ≈ 1,600MPa
YS 0.2%: ≈ 1,500MPa
Hardness: 47–50 HRC
Expansion α: 10.610⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: H900. Hardness ≈ 47–50 HRC after H900 aging (order of magnitude)

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling
Stocked material: Bars Ø 4 to 63.5 mm, tolerances down to h6
Origin: Bar origin traced (United States, Europe)

Get a quote for a part in 1.4543 stainless steel (MX455)

1.4123 X40CrMoVN16-2 · nitrogen martensitic Instrument / device In regular production

1.4123 stainless steel (X15TN)

Nitrogen replaces part of the carbon: you get the hardness of a cutting steel with corrosion resistance well above that of conventional martensitic grades.

Standards: EN 10088-3
Composition: Cr ≈ 16% · Mo · V · N
Applications: Cutting instruments, drills, reamers, rasps, bone taps.

Density: 7.7g/cm³
Modulus E: 210GPa
UTS: —MPa
YS 0.2%: —MPa
Hardness: 55–58 HRC
Expansion α: 10.510⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: hardened and tempered. Hardness ≈ 55–58 HRC after hardening and tempering (order of magnitude)

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling
Stocked material: Bars Ø 4 to 30 mm

Get a quote for a part in 1.4123 stainless steel (X15TN)

1.4028 X30Cr13 · AISI 420B Instrument / device In regular production

Z30C13 stainless steel

The baseline steel of surgical instrumentation, easy to machine, harden and polish.

Standards: ASTM F899 · EN 10088-3
Composition: Cr 12–14% · C 0.26–0.35%
Applications: Curettes, elevators, osteotomes, forceps, general instruments.

Density: 7.7g/cm³
Modulus E: 215GPa
UTS: —MPa
YS 0.2%: —MPa
Hardness: 48–52 HRC
Expansion α: 10.510⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: hardened and tempered. Hardness ≈ 48–52 HRC after hardening (order of magnitude)

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling
Stocked material: Bars Ø 2.45 to 60 mm

Get a quote for a part in Z30C13

1.4057 X17CrNi16-2 · AISI 431 Instrument / device In regular production

X17 stainless steel

Nickel improves toughness and corrosion resistance: it is the martensitic grade for loaded parts that do not cut.

Standards: ASTM F899 · EN 10088-3
Composition: Cr 15–17% · Ni 1.5–2.5%
Applications: Instrument bodies, pins, clamping screws, metal handles.

Density: 7.7g/cm³
Modulus E: 215GPa
UTS: ≈ 900MPa
YS 0.2%: ≈ 700MPa
Hardness: 40–45 HRC
Expansion α: 10.010⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: hardened and tempered. Hardness ≈ 40–45 HRC after hardening (order of magnitude)

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling
Stocked material: Bars Ø 3 to 40 mm

Get a quote for a part in X17

Other instrument grades
Grade	Designation	Reference	Use	Availability
X20CrNiMoS13-1 stainless	1.4197	EN 10088-3	Resulfurized martensitic, highly machinable: small Swiss-turned parts	Regular
Z20C13 stainless	1.4021	ASTM F899	Non-cutting instruments	On request
AISI 420C stainless	1.4034	ASTM F899	Blades and cutting instruments	Regular
X90CrMoV18 · 440B stainless	1.4112	ASTM F899	Blades, scissors, very high hardness	On request
X30CrMoN15-1 stainless (Cronidure 30)	1.4108	EN 10088-3	Nitrogen martensitic, corrosion-resistant cutting tools	On request
1.4418 stainless (APX)	1.4418	EN 10088-3	Tough martensitic, structural parts	On request
UNS S46500 stainless (Custom 465)	S46500	ASTM F899	Precipitation hardening, very high strength	On request
316L stainless	1.4404	ASTM F899	Instruments, housings, non-implantable parts	Regular
304 / 304L stainless	1.4301 / 1.4307	ASTM F899	Trays, holders, structural parts	Regular
303 stainless	1.4305	ASTM F899	Non-critical Swiss-turned parts	Regular
301 stainless	1.4310	EN 10088-3	Springs and elastic parts	Regular

Polymers for devices and sterilization

Handles, cases, trays and color codes. These materials live to the rhythm of washer-disinfectors and autoclaves.

PPSU polyphenylsulfone Instrument / device In regular production

PPSU (Radel R-5500)

Withstands repeated sterilization cycles without cracking or yellowing, and stays impact resistant.

Standards: Medical grades tested to ISO 10993
Composition: High-temperature amorphous thermoplastic
Applications: Instrument handles, sterilization cases and trays, tips.

Density: 1.29g/cm³
Modulus E: 2.3GPa
UTS: ≈ 70MPa
YS 0.2%: —MPa
Hardness: —
Expansion α: 56.010⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: medical grade. More than 1,000 steam sterilization cycles · resistant to hospital detergents

At Precimade

Processes: Milling, mill-turning
Stocked colors: Red, green, yellow, gray, black, beige, ivory, translucent smoke gray
Stocked material: Rods Ø 19 to 76 mm, plates

Get a quote for a part in PPSU (Radel R-5500)

PP-HS heat-stabilized polypropylene Instrument / device In regular production

Heat-stabilized PP (Propylux HS, HS2)

The color runs through the material: an instrument’s color code stays legible after years of sterilization.

Standards: Medical grade, compatible with steam sterilization
Composition: Heat-stabilized polypropylene, colored throughout
Applications: Size-coded handles, trays, instrument holders.

Density: 0.91g/cm³
Modulus E: ≈ 1.5GPa
UTS: ≈ 32MPa
YS 0.2%: —MPa
Hardness: —
Expansion α: 110.010⁻⁶/K
Note: Condition: heat-stabilized PP. Lightweight · resistant to steam sterilization · good chemical resistance

At Precimade

Processes: Swiss-type turning, milling
Stocked colors: 13 shades: gray, black, white, yellow, orange, magenta, purple, brown, light blue, dark blue, aqua blue, light green, dark green
Stocked material: Rods Ø 12.7 to 76.2 mm

Get a quote for a part in Heat-stabilized PP (Propylux HS, HS2)

Other polymers
Grade	Designation	Reference	Use	Availability
POM-C (acetal)	POM-C	Food-contact and engineering grades	Jigs, fixtures, parts rarely or never sterilized	Regular
PTFE	PTFE	—	Seals, guides, very low-friction parts	Regular

Tooling, fixtures and prototypes

For inspection gauges, machining fixtures and mock-ups designed with Origin 3D: Aluminum 2011, 2017, 6082 and 7075 · CuZn39Pb3 brass · 1.2344, W360 and S300Pb steels · PA 6G, PA 66 GF30, PPS GF40, PETP, antistatic HDPE 500 and 1000, PP, ABS, PVC.

Your material is not on the list? State it in your request: we source it with its certificate, or we machine the bar you supply.

Before dimensioning: the costliest misconceptions about tolerances, and a fit calculator.

Send a drawing Read the tolerance guideISO 286 fit calculator