I always thought that stainless steel 316 is not magnetic

Discussion in 'Materials' started by BertKu, Oct 27, 2017.

  1. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    I had a shock when I tested what stainless steel 316 was, to see whether my supplier gave me 316 or 304. I used a normal magnet and the 304 and 316 did not attach itself to the steel. However when I took an strong earth magnet, it was sticking somehow to the 316. Was I fooled by the supplier ? Is there an easy way to check whether 316 is really 316?.
     
  2. baeckmo
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    baeckmo Hydrodynamics

    This is quite normal. There is a slight magnetism also in the austenitic steels; more so in cast than in rolled material. The degree of difference lies in your "somehow". There is no simple and easy way to validate the composition.
     
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  3. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Drop in into some wet salt for a couple of weeks and see what happens.
     
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  4. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    ^Thank you, at least I don't have to crap all over the supplier.
    Bert
     
  5. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    Yes, that I can only do when it is not made into a long taking product. Only for some off cuts I will do that. Thanks, it is indeed the easiest, just a long wait for the result. Thanks it is indeed a way to figure it out.
    bert
     
  6. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    Cold working and welding can convert austenite to martensite which is magnetic. Also, the nickel content on 316 is from 10% to 14%, which varies the residual magnetism.
     
  7. BertKu
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    BertKu Senior Member

    Thank you Gonzo.
     

  8. OzFred
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    OzFred Senior Member

    Even 316 will likely rust in that environment.
     
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