Green!  Just how green are your surgical instruments?

There are many contributing factors that determine the quality of surgical instruments such as design, forging and steel quality among the principle long term characteristics is the passivation layer. So what is it & what does it do?  Passivation is the process of making a material "passive" in relation to another. Always remember that stainless steel is very precise in its description, stain less not stain proof!

The objective is to optimise the concentration between Chrome and Chrom-Oxide and Iron-Oxide, which means having as much Chrome or Chrom-Oxide on the surface of the Instrument without compromising its inherent performance requirements, such as flexibility or hardness. With this high surface concentration of Chrome and Chrom-Oxide the passivation layer is developed thus reducing the opportunity for corrosion.

Why Passivation?

It makes a better instrument which lasts longer!

Briefly described, a good passivation is costly but it improves the quality of the instrument enormously, making the molecular surface (Chromium/Fe) more resistant to “Chemical attacks” and therefore less corrosion and less discolouration.

Different Methods of Achieving Passivation

How do LAWTON achieve passivation?

Lawton is well known for the highest quality and it is constantly monitoring manufacturing methods in order to improve the high level of quality instruments.

LAWTON use a holistic approach, the first step in producing a high quality instrument is to select high end German Steel; after it is manufactured it is electro polished and finished by experienced instruments makers. The instrument is then chemically cleaned and passed though Citrus Acid at an optimised time and temperature, thus achieving an effective and passivation.

With these steps it is possible to achieve this highest level of passivation; with the correct balance of Chrome and Chrom-Oxide concentration on the surface in order to have the highest chemical resistance and the best possible protection against corrosion and discolouration.

Assuming that the instrument are used in the intended purpose these combined passivation processes guaranties the longest possible life, endurance and safety.