Characterization of Sandvik Bioline High-N - A comparison of standard grades F1314 and F1586

ASTM standard grades for surgical implants F1314 and F1586 are both N-strengthened austenitic stainless steels with high resistance to pitting corrosion. The latter is generally used in Europe while the former is preferred in the United States. In the present study, Sandvik grade Bioline High-N, conforming to ASTM F 15 86, has been characterized with respect to microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and inclusion content and compared with ASTM F1314-material. In the present comparison it has been shown that Bioline High-N-3 compared to ASTM F1314 material has similar or slightly superior mechanical properties, pitting corrosion resistance and nonmetallic inclusion content. All these properties are of critical importance for medical implant material.