High-quality raw materials are a vital element of our manufacturing process. Dumont has been working closely with Swiss suppliers of raw materials for many years to ensure that its products are of optimal quality.

When we take delivery of raw materials, we check them against strict quality criteria before approving them for use in our manufacturing processes. All of the steel alloys that we use comply with our quality system.

Several different types of steel alloys are available, depending on where and how tools are used.

Carbon steel (01)

Carbon steel is an alloy of C, Mn and Si. It is a very hard material (>59 HRC) that is used to make very hard tips. Carbon steel is magnetic and susceptible to rust and as such cannot be sterilised.

Stainless steel (02)

Stainless steel 02 is standard stainless steel made up of C, Mn, Cr and Si. The presence of chromium in stainless steel 02 makes it softer than carbon steel. Stainless steel 02 is a magnetic alloy and can withstand temperatures of up to approximately 400°C (DIN 50 914), but it cannot be sterilised.

Dumoxel® (03)

Dumoxel ('Dumont Excellence') is made up of C, Cr, Ni, Mo and Cu. It has proved the most popular material with our clients. This alloy, which was developed and patented by Dumont, offers optimal corrosion resistance thanks to its high molybdenum and chromium content. It also has superb resistance to sulphuric environments, hydrochloric acid and all inorganic and organic acids. Dumoxel is a 95% antimagnetic alloy, can withstand temperatures of up to approximately 400°C (DIN 50 914) and can be sterilised up to 270°C.

Antimagnetic steel (04)

Antimagnetic steel is made up of C, Cr, Ni and Mo. It is a standard steel that offers good corrosion resistance thanks to its high molybdenum content. This steel is 80% antimagnetic (less than Dumoxel) and is softer than stainless steel. It can withstand temperatures of up to approximately 400°C (DIN 50 914) and can be sterilised up to 270°C.

Nickel (05)

Nickel is made up of Cu, Ni, Mn and Zn. It is a 100% antimagnetic alloy that is highly prized for its capacity not to mark the items on which the user is working.

Brass (06)

Brass is made up of Cu, Pb, Sn, Ni and Zn. It is 100% antimagnetic and is often used for work involving delicate products or materials, particularly in watchmaking.

Titanium (07)

Titanium is made up of C, Fe, O, H, N and Ti. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion (nitric and chloric acids, salt water, etc.) and is more flexible, but softer, than stainless steel 08. It is a 100% antimagnetic alloy that is 40% lighter than stainless steel and can withstand temperatures of up to approximately 430°C.

Stainless steel (08)

Stainless steel 08 is a medical-grade alloy made up of C, Mn, Cr, Mo and V that offers excellent resistance to corrosion and salt. It is softer than carbon steel and offers excellent stainless qualities. Stainless steel 08 is a magnetic alloy that can withstand temperatures of up to approximately 400°C (DIN 50 914) and can be sterilised up to 180°C.

Dumostar® (09)

Dumostar ('Dumont star') was developed and patented by Dumont and is made up of C, Cr, Mo, Mn, Co, Ni and Si. Dumostar is harder and more flexible than the best stainless steel. It offers optimal resistance to all types of corrosion, organic and inorganic acids and salt. It has been adapted for use with human tissues, is 100% antimagnetic and can withstand temperatures from cryonics to a maximum of 500°C. Dumostar can be sterilised up to 500°C. Despite its higher purchase price, Dumostar remains the most cost-effective option and is the most suitable material for laboratory work.