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Hypo-allergenic 317L?

I have designed a adjustable ring insert for people with arthritic finger joints. I am currently using gold, I would like to fabricate this in an hypo-allergenic metal other than gold. My thought is to use 316L steel that would be soldered with gold solder to the ring shank. Can anyone foresee any problems with this? Is there any special finish I should use ?

Ronald Kovach
- Stratford, Connecticut, USA
2003

316L is not the most biocompatible stainless steel alloy either. I would suggest investigating some of the newer alloys like Biodur from Carpenter or Bioline from Sandvik.

Toby Padfield
- Troy, Michigan
2003

I assume that the comments about 316L apply also to body-piercing jewelry, which often irritates, even in established piercings. The effect even happens through Gold plating.

Many people now manufacture in Titanium or Niobium, which naturally form an inert oxide coating, and also has the benefit that it can be coloured with the same process as anodizing.

The biggest problem with both materials is getting a good surface polish in the first place. Anyone got any ideas?

Graham Priestley
- Peterborough England
2003