ASTM F138

ASTM F138 is the ASTM standard most often referenced for wrought 18Chromium-14Nickel-2.5Molybdenum stainless steel bar and wire intended for surgical implants. It provides a clear technical basis for describing this implant-grade stainless steel, helping buyers, manufacturers, and quality teams align on material requirements and product identification. As a procurement and compliance reference, it supports consistent ordering, evaluation, and documentation for implant applications where material control matters.

What is ASTM F138?

ASTM F138 is a material specification focused on wrought stainless steel bar and wire made from an 18Chromium-14Nickel-2.5Molybdenum alloy, identified by UNS S31673. The standard defines the framework used to describe the material intended for surgical implants, so the emphasis is on controlled composition, product form, and specification consistency. For technical and purchasing teams, it serves as a practical reference when verifying that the supplied bar or wire matches the expected implant-grade stainless steel designation.

Where is ASTM F138 used?

This standard is commonly used in the supply chain for surgical implant materials, especially where wrought bar and wire are needed as starting stock or finished forms. It is relevant to manufacturers, distributors, and quality assurance groups working with implant-related stainless steel products. ASTM F138 is also useful in documentation and specification review when confirming that a stainless steel bar or wire product is identified for surgical implant service and aligned with the correct UNS S31673 material designation.

Why is ASTM F138 important?

ASTM F138 matters because it gives the market a shared specification for a specialized stainless steel used in surgical implant applications. That helps reduce ambiguity during procurement, testing, and product qualification, while supporting more consistent material selection and traceability. For organizations comparing supplier offers or reviewing technical documentation, ASTM F138 provides a reliable benchmark for compliance and quality control. In practice, it helps lower risk by keeping material description and expectations aligned.

• Wrought stainless steel bar and wire
• 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo alloy designation
• UNS S31673 material reference
• Surgical implant material specification
• Useful for procurement and quality review