Implant grade titanium and surgical steel are two of the most commonly used metals in the manufacturing of body jewelry. However, it is essential to understand the differences between these two metals to make an informed decision about which one to choose for your piercing.
As the popularity of body piercings increases, it is crucial to consider which metals are best suited for your piercing to avoid any allergic reactions or skin irritation. Implant grade titanium and surgical steel are both non-allergenic and non-toxic, ensuring proper healing without any complications. In this article, we will explore the properties of these two metals when used in jewelry making.
Key Takeaways
- Implant grade titanium and surgical steel are popular metals used in body jewelry making.
- Both metals are non-allergenic and non-toxic, making them suitable for body piercings.
- Understanding the differences between the two metals can help you make an informed decision about which one to choose for your piercing.
Implant Grade Titanium vs. Surgical Steel
Implant grade titanium and surgical steel are both suitable for making body jewelry due to their biocompatibility. However, there are some differences between the two metals.
Properties |
Implant Grade Titanium |
Surgical Steel |
|---|---|---|
Composition |
Pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy |
Stainless steel with varying amounts of nickel |
Biocompatibility |
Hypoallergenic and biocompatible |
May cause allergic reactions in some people due to nickel content |
Strength |
Stronger than surgical steel |
Not as strong as titanium |
Corrosion Resistance |
Highly corrosion-resistant |
Corrosion-resistant, but may rust over time |
Color |
Typically silver or gray |
Can be silver, gray, or gold |
In summary, both implant grade titanium and surgical steel are suitable for making body jewelry. However, implant grade titanium is generally stronger, more corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic, making it a popular choice for those with sensitive skin. On the other hand, surgical steel may cause allergic reactions in some people due to its nickel content.
The Differences Between Implant Grade Titanium and Surgical Steel
When it comes to choosing the right material for your initial piercing jewelry, it is essential to understand the differences between implant grade titanium and surgical steel. Both are excellent options, but there are significant differences in their quality and composition.
Surgical Steel
Surgical steel is a popular choice for initial piercing jewelry. However, not all grades of surgical steel are ideal for jewelry. 316LVM and 316L stainless steel are the recommended grades of surgical steel for piercings. These grades comply with ASTM F138 Standards, which establish safety guidelines for various materials used in making body jewelry. They are anti-corrosive and more resistant to the body’s immune system, reducing the chances of infections.
Implant Grade Titanium
Individuals with metal hypersensitivity should opt for implant grade titanium, as it is the most hypoallergenic metal available in the market. Titanium is an elemental metal that does not contain any traces of nickel. The most preferred grade of titanium for initial piercings is ASTM F136 compliant. However, all grades of titanium are ideal for piercings as they are resistant to bodily fluids and tissues and completely biocompatible.
In summary, implant grade titanium is the best option for individuals with metal hypersensitivity, while surgical steel is a popular choice for initial piercings. It is essential to choose the right grade of surgical steel or titanium to ensure the safety and health of your piercing.
Pros and Cons of Implant Grade Titanium
Pros
Implant grade titanium is a popular choice for body jewelry due to its numerous advantages. This metal is lightweight, yet exceptionally strong, making it easy to shape into various designs suitable for body jewelry. Its high resistance to corrosion and scratching makes it long-lasting and durable. Moreover, its inert nature makes it biocompatible, thus minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and infections.
Titanium is also highly versatile, and can easily combine with other metals to enhance its properties. For instance, it can be combined with aluminum and iron to make it more durable for aerospace, military, and medical equipment. Additionally, it can be easily anodized to create a wide range of colors without affecting its quality. Finally, it has relatively low thermal and electrical conductivity, making it a safe choice for body jewelry.
Cons
Despite its numerous advantages, implant grade titanium has some drawbacks. One of the major disadvantages of this metal is its cost. Compared to surgical steel body jewelry, implant grade titanium is quite expensive. Similarly, due to its incredible tensile strength, it cannot undergo resoldering to increase or reduce its size. Therefore, resizing is not an option, and you will have to get a replacement if you need a different size.
In conclusion, implant grade titanium has several advantages and disadvantages when it comes to body jewelry. While it is a durable and biocompatible metal, its high cost and inability to resize can be limiting factors for some individuals.
Pros and Cons of Surgical Steel
Pros
Surgical steel is a type of stainless steel made from specific alloys, including nickel, iron, chromium, and carbon. There are several grades of surgical stainless steel available in the market. The biocompatible grades are 316L and 316LVM surgical steel, meaning they rarely cause any allergic reactions when used in making body jewelry. These grades have low-carbon materials, and their alloys are trapped inside the metal through a special process to ensure they do not escape from the material.
One of the advantages of surgical steel jewelry is that it is highly resistant to corrosion, tarnishing, and scratching, making it incredibly durable. It is also lightweight, comfortable to wear, and easily malleable to make various designs for body jewelry. In case of emergencies, surgical steel jewelry can be easily cut off using regular equipment cutting tools.
Moreover, surgical steel is quite affordable and easily accessible, making it the most common material used in making body jewelry in the United States today.
Cons
Despite its ease of access and affordability, surgical steel jewelry comes in limited styles and designs. After a few years of use, its jewelry may lose its shine and polishing, requiring re-polishing to restore it.
Resizing surgical steel rings is difficult due to its high melting point. Moreover, buyers should beware that some jewelry labeled as ‘surgical steel’ is misleading as some manufacturers try to get the most out of their clients with counterfeit goods. Often, such products contain low-quality stainless steel that contains large amounts of nickel, causing an allergic reaction.
In summary, surgical steel has its advantages and disadvantages. While it is affordable, durable, and biocompatible, it has limited styles and designs, may require re-polishing, and some products labeled as surgical steel may contain low-quality materials. Therefore, buyers should be cautious when purchasing surgical steel jewelry and ensure that they are buying from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit goods.
Conclusion
In the body jewelry industry, implant grade titanium and surgical steel are among the most popular metals used for their body-friendly properties. It is important for buyers to understand the different grades of these metals to determine which one is the most suitable for their needs. While both metals have their advantages, implant grade titanium is considered the superior choice due to its biocompatibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
As a fashion jewelry manufacturer and metal expert, Tiger has helped thousands of small businesses grow and has worked with big fashion jewelry brands. His expertise in the industry provides valuable insights for buyers to make informed decisions when selecting body jewelry. Remember to share this educational post with friends to help them make informed choices as well.
