Stainless steel as ferromagnetic or non/paramagnetic

In summary, stainless steel can be divided into different types based on its magnetic properties, with martensitic, duplex, and ferritic stainless steels being magnetic and austenitic stainless steel being non-magnetic. This is due to the different crystal structures of each type. The main factor that makes stainless steel unique is its chromium content, which allows it to form a protective film on the surface to prevent corrosion.
  • #1
abdulbadii
43
1
TL;DR Summary
this stainless steel ferromagnetic while that one is non/paramagnetic ?
Why is this stainless steel ferromagnetic while that one is non/paramagnetic, how's each proportion of them and what's its key difference that'd determines such the distinction?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
What has your research on the subject turned up? What are your ideas on the subject?
 
  • #3
Martensitic, duplex and ferritic stainless steels are magnetic, while austenitic stainless steel is usually non-magnetic.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel#Magnetism

Fridge magnets work on the stainless steel used to make "white goods" because it is martensitic.

If you cut or grind stainless steel, it will often change its local magnetic properties.
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes David Lewis, Vanadium 50, berkeman and 2 others
  • #4
Baluncore said:
Martensitic, duplex and ferritic stainless steels are magnetic, while austenitic stainless steel is usually non-magnetic.

Martensitic and ferritic stainless steels have bct/bcc and bcc crystal structure, respectively, while duplex, as the term implies, has two crystal structures, which could be ferritic-martensitic (F/M), austenitic-ferritic, or austenitic-martensitic. Non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel (usually with a fair amount of Ni and Mn, which are austenite stabilizers) has an fcc crystal structure. The more bcc in an fcc matrix, the more magnetic a stainless steel.

The significance of stainless is the Cr content, which allows a steel to become stainless through the formation of a stable chromia (Cr2O3) film on the surface, which prevents or retards further oxidation/corrosion.
 
  • Informative
Likes hutchphd

FAQ: Stainless steel as ferromagnetic or non/paramagnetic

Is stainless steel ferromagnetic?

Not all stainless steels are ferromagnetic. Austenitic stainless steels (such as 304 and 316) are generally non-magnetic, while ferritic (such as 430) and martensitic (such as 410) stainless steels are typically ferromagnetic.

Why are some stainless steels non-magnetic?

The non-magnetic nature of austenitic stainless steels is due to their crystal structure. The face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of austenitic stainless steels does not support ferromagnetism, which is why grades like 304 and 316 are non-magnetic.

Can stainless steel become magnetic after processing?

Yes, austenitic stainless steels can become slightly magnetic after cold working or welding. The mechanical deformation can induce a phase transformation from austenite (non-magnetic) to martensite (magnetic), increasing the material's magnetic properties.

How can I test if stainless steel is magnetic?

A simple way to test if stainless steel is magnetic is to use a magnet. If the magnet sticks strongly to the steel, it is likely ferritic or martensitic and therefore ferromagnetic. If the magnet does not stick or sticks weakly, it is likely austenitic and non-magnetic.

What applications require non-magnetic stainless steel?

Non-magnetic stainless steels are often used in applications where magnetic interference needs to be minimized, such as in MRI machines, electronic devices, and certain chemical processing equipment. Austenitic stainless steels are preferred in these scenarios due to their non-magnetic properties.

Similar threads

Back
Top