Can 304 stainless steel be magnetized? The answer rates more than a simple yes or no.
Iron is alloyed with different amounts of chromium to produce 3 classes of stainless steel. These are martensitic, ferritic, and austenitic steels. These three are classed separately because each has a different microstructure.
Stainless Steel
Type 304 stainless is austenitic. It is non-magnetic. Special treatments change that. The treatments may be to produce fasteners or other items that require it.
Magnetic & Non-Magnetic
Both ferritic and martensitic stainless steels are easy to magnetize. Austenitic steels such as cold worked 304 undergo partial conversion of their austenite microstructure to martensite.
Because stainless type 304 is cheap yet has many fine properties, it is chosen for objects requiring cold working. They may be magnetized. Yet some are non-magnetic.
Videos on Steel Manufacturing
This U.S. Steel video gives a brief steel making demo – start to finish – from blasting for ore to finished product.
Note: You might also enjoy Cement Production Aggravates Carbon Dioxide Levels
References:
- Virginia Tech: Laboratory for Scientific Visual Analysis: Ni-Cr-Fe
- Fastenal Company: Magnetism in Stainless Steel Fasteners
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