Carpenter Technology has developed A-421, a best-in-class stainless steel for medical instruments. It offers superior corrosion resistance and cost efficiency by minimizing expensive alloying elements. Despite its unique composition, A-421 can be heat-treated similarly to traditional stainless steels. Available in air-melted and vacuum-melted forms, it meets diverse design needs while excelling in harsh environments. The alloy can be heat-treated for exceptional hardness — ideal for scalpels, rasps and saw blades — or for high strength and toughness, making it well-suited for medical drivers. These properties enhance performance and reduce failure risk in patient-critical applications. This presentation will explore A-421’s metallurgy, properties and applications, along with other state-of-the-art materials. With recent R&D innovations, Carpenter Technology is well-positioned to provide the right tools for medical instrumentation. Presented by Carpenter Technology, Booth 609
