General Catalogue 2023 DIGITAL

283 A look at the manufacturing process Depending on the model, an instrument needs 50 or more working steps, and approximately two thirds are carried out by hand. The joints are forged using resistance of up to 100 tons. This is followed by punching out, heat treatment, sawing and milling processes. Hardening at over 1,000°C sets the required strength of the instrument – for example, tweezers must be more flexible than scissors. At the same time, homogenous hardness provides an even distribution of the chrome components and corrosion resistance from the surface to the core. Polishing evens out the surface and the corrosion-resistant chrome oxide protection layer (passive layer) is finally activated. Instruments generally have a non-reflective matt finish. The manufacturing experts (tool mechanics specialising in instrument engineering with three and a half years of training) may handle a complex tool such a nail clipper approx. 150 to 180 times before it leaves the production process. Photo of detail: Fastening point of an AESCULAP corner clipper What you should always bear in mind when caring for an instrument: • Only use suitable disinfectants and cleaning agents to disinfect and clean instruments. Please use no drill brushes for manual cleaning. We recommend a medium hard toothbrush. • When placing the instruments in the ultrasound bath, always ensure that the joints are opened and the joint area of the instruments is cleaned. • When using ultrasound, take the immersion times and dosage of the cleaning agent into account. • Prior to sterilisation, rinse the instruments with fully desalinated or distilled water and dry them. • Regularly spray the joint area of instruments with a special par- affin oil to prevent it from setting in. We recommend AESCULAP Sterilite Oil Spray prior to autoclave sterilisation. • Absolutely sort out instruments which have rust or other safety- relevant damage. The trained and critical eye of the AESCULAP employee sees the form and design of an instrument in its entirety. Only with the sensitivity of her/his hands does she/he feel the elasticity and tension, the smoothness of the run or the soft snapping into place. I N S T R U M E N T S © AESCULAP INSTRUMENTS