Your Metal Supplier for the Medical Industry

At Copper and Brass Sales, a division of thyssenkrupp Materials NA, we deliver high-performance metal solutions designed to meet the critical demands of the medical field.

Whether enabling real-time diagnostics with precision-engineered sensor components or supporting life-saving surgical procedures, our materials meet stringent biocompatibility and regulatory standards. Backed by certified quality systems, strategically located service centers, and advanced processing capabilities, we ensure fast lead times, reliable availability, and customized supply chain support.

We enable our customers in the medical industry to accelerate performance and increase value through high-performance metal solutions engineered for safety, precision, and long-term reliability.
 

Metals for the Medical Industry

We supply a wide range of medical grade metals tailored to the needs of the healthcare industry. Our material portfolio supports critical applications in diagnostics, surgery, patient care, and device manufacturing with proven quality and consistent compliance.

Common Medical Applications for Stainless Steel

• Surgical instruments (scalpels, forceps, retractors)
• Orthopedic and dental implants
• Hospital equipment and surgical trays
• Syringes, needles, and tubing
• Autoclaves and sterilization equipment
• Prosthetic components

Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance stems from its chromium content, which forms a passive, self-healing oxide layer that protects the surface. Elements like nickel and molybdenum further enhance strength, toughness, and resistance to acids, body fluids, and sterilization.

Stainless Steel Advantages for Medical Applications

• Outstanding corrosion and oxidation resistance
• Biocompatibility for implants and surgical tools
• High strength and wear resistance
• Easy to clean and sterilize
• Non-porous surface reduces bacterial contamination

Stainless Steel Alloys for the Medical Industry

• Stainless steel 304 is a widely used austenitic grade offering high corrosion resistance, excellent formability, and ease of fabrication. 304 is ideal for orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, tubing, syringes, and device housings.
• Stainless steel 316 is similar to 304 but with added molybdenum for improved resistance to chlorides and harsh environments. 316 is preferred for surgical tools and equipment that undergo frequent sterilization, such as autoclaves and reusable surgical tools.
• Stainless steel 17-4 is a precipitation-hardened martensitic alloy that balances strength, corrosion resistance, and hardness. 17-4 is commonly used in surgical and dental instruments requiring precise machining and durability.
• Stainless steel 440C is a high-carbon martensitic alloy known for exceptional hardness and edge retention. 440C is suitable for surgical cutting tools requiring long-term sharpness and durability.

For high-volume medical component machining, we offer proprietary MAXX® (303, 304, 316, and 17-4) and AccuMAXX® (303, 304, 316, and 17-4) stainless steels rod and bar series, engineered for superior machinability, tight tolerances, excellent surface finishes, and reliable performance in medical applications.

Common Medical Applications for Aluminum

• Non-invasive devices (stethoscopes, ventilators, heart monitors)
• Surgical instrument handles and housings
• Hospital furniture and equipment (IV poles, trays, gurneys)
• Dental tools and components
• Surgical trays and examination tables

Aluminum’s lightweight durability enables ease of handling and transport, while its natural corrosion resistance withstands aggressive sterilization methods. It is suitable for both disposable and reusable devices.

Aluminum Advantages for Medical Applications

• Lightweight with excellent structural integrity
• Corrosion resistant
• Easy to machine and form
• Compatible with surface treatments and anodizing
• Biocompatible with surface treatment

Aluminum Alloys for the Medical Industry

• Aluminum 5083 offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly in chemically aggressive environments. 5083 is used for equipment casings, mobile cleanroom platforms, and structural frames exposed to harsh sterilization.
• Aluminum 6061 combines strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. 6061 is ideal for cosmetic housings, diagnostic tools, and components exposed to mechanical stress and frequent cleaning. Its compatibility with various coatings enhances both function and aesthetics.
• Aluminum 6063 is a medium-strength alloy prized for its excellent surface finish. 6063 is suitable for visible or portable parts such as diagnostic frames, patient support rails, and rehabilitation equipment. Its anodized finish supports both hygiene and design appeal.
• Aluminum 7075 is among the strongest commercial aluminum alloys and is well-suited for demanding structural applications. Its common uses include surgical frames, robotic surgical arms, imaging machine structures, and mobile medical platforms that require both strength and lightweight performance.

Common Medical Applications for Copper Alloys

• MRI machines and superconducting magnets
• ECGs, CT scanners, and diagnostic imaging systems
• Pacemakers and defibrillators
• X-ray and high-vacuum imaging equipment
• Wearable and minimally invasive sensors
• Connectors and fluid circuits in respiratory systems

Copper’s performance is particularly valuable where consistent signal integrity, heat dissipation, and high-purity performance are required. Oxygen-free grades such as C101, C102, and C110 are ideal for vacuum environments and electronic medical systems due to their exceptional conductivity and reliability.

Additional Medical Industry Metals

Cobalt Chrome: Known for biocompatibility and wear resistance, cobalt chrome alloys are ideal for orthopedic implants and surgical tools requiring long-term strength and corrosion performance.

Titanium: Offered through our SLA programs, titanium is a top choice for implants and surgical devices due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility.

Contact us to learn more about our available cobalt chrome alloys or titanium sourcing options.
 

This internationally recognized certification ensures our ability to meet regulatory requirements across the product lifecycle, from material sourcing to delivery. Our quality systems support continuous improvement, consistent product performance, and traceability.
 

Value-Added Processing Services

Our comprehensive processing services are designed to meet the precision and quality demands of medical manufacturing. By reducing cycle times and inventory overhead, we help streamline production without compromising compliance or performance.

We provide in-house ultrasonic testing, a non-destructive method that identifies internal voids or inclusions. Eliminating third-party testing helps reduce lead times while ensuring material integrity for critical components. Our network of certified UT professionals supports dependable results across multiple material shapes and sizes.

Additionally, we provide heat treating and annealing services that can tailor your metal’s physical or mechanical properties to suit your needs with controlled heat processes.

To further support a wide range of medical manufacturing applications, we also offer:

• Chamfering
• Line-marking
• Cut-to-length services
• XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing
• Waterjet processing
• Custom extrusions
• Hot-rolled shapes
• Centerless grinding

Supply Chain and Inventory Solutions

Copper and Brass Sales offers scalable, flexible supply chain programs tailored to the medical industry. With a strong logistics foundation and a reliable global supplier network, we support continuity and resilience in your material flow.

Our supply chain services include:

• Just-in-time (JIT) delivery
• Custom kitting programs
• Service level agreements (SLA)
• Forecasting and inventory management models

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What metals are most commonly used in medical device manufacturing?
   Stainless steel, aluminum, and copper alloys are among the most commonly used metals in medical device manufacturing due to their strength, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance.
2. What is medical-grade stainless steel, and how is it different from regular stainless steel?
   Medical-grade stainless steels meet strict standards for biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and sterilization durability. Common medical grade types include 304, 316, 17-4, and 440C.
3. What are the benefits of using aluminum in medical equipment?
   Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to sterilize, and highly formable, making it ideal for hospital equipment, surgical housings, and diagnostic tools.
4. Which copper alloys are used in medical electronics and imaging systems?
   High-conductivity copper alloys such as C101, C102, and C110 are commonly used in MRI machines, CT scanners, ECGs, and other diagnostic imaging equipment due to their thermal and electrical performance.
5. Why is the ISO 13485 certification important in the medical industry?
   The ISO 13485 certification ensures that a company has a quality management system specifically designed to meet the stringent regulatory requirements of the medical device industry. It shows a commitment to consistent quality, traceability, risk management, and product safety across the entire supply chain. Copper and Brass Sales has ISO 13485 certified facilities, providing our customers with confidence that we meet the highest standards for quality and compliance.
6. Does Copper and Brass Sales sell implant grade metals?
   Yes, we can supply titanium and cobalt chrome upon request. Contact us using the form below.
    

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Contact us today to find out how Copper and Brass Sales can help you find the best material and manufacturing solutions to suit your specific needs!

Just fill out the form below, and one of our experts will reach out to you. Whether you need a custom quote, guidance on the right material for your project, or more details on our wide variety of value-added services - we’re ready to assist you.