I always thought that stainless steel 316 is not magnetic

[BertKu]

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?.

 

[baeckmo]

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.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

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

 

[BertKu]

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.

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

 

[BertKu]

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

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

 

[gonzo]

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.

 

[BertKu]

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.

Thank you Gonzo.

 

[OzFred]

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

Even 316 will likely rust in that environment.