Is Stainless Steel Magnetic?

You might have magnets stuck to the front of your refrigerator at home, but the truth is, not all stainless steel is magnetic. You see, it depends on the type of steel and the particular alloy constituents. Continue reading to learn more about stainless steel, including its magnetic properties and limitations, as well as, what you can do with scrap stainless steel in Indiana.

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Stainless Steel Components and Properties

Stainless steel, also known as inox or inox steel, is a man-made alloy that has a minimum of 10.5% chromium content and a maximum of 1.2% carbon content. Some of the most admired qualities of stainless steel is its resistance to staining, corrosion, and oxidation (rust). For this reason, it is often used in kitchens and food processing plants, as well as industries like medical, electrical, petrochemical, manufacturing, automotive, and more.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Metal

Stainless steel comes in many grades and finishes, all of which offer their own unique appeal or performance. Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel has a much higher chromium content, so when exposed to conditions that would otherwise make it rust or corrode, it instead forms a passive coating of chromium oxide that prevents further deterioration. Not only does it not corrode and does not require a protective coating, it is also easy to clean and sterilize.

Is Stainless Steel Magnetic or Not?

As mentioned, some types of stainless steel are magnetic, and others are not. Two particular factors must be true in order for stainless steel to be magnetic. First, it must contain iron. Some stainless steels contain iron, while others do not. You see, all metal can be categorized as either ferrous or non-ferrous. Ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous metals do not. You can easily tell the difference between the two by simply using a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it is ferrous and contains iron; if it does not stick, it is non-ferrous and contains no iron. Second, stainless steel must have a crystal composition arranged in a ferritic or martensitic structure.

There are 3 types of magnetic stainless steel: ferritic, martensitic, and duplex. Non-magnetic stainless steel are alloys that have austenitic structures. This means they have higher quantities of austenite in them, which is what makes them non-magnetic. For instance, stainless steel grades like 304 and 316 retain high amounts of iron in their chemical composition, but their austenite structures renders them non-magnetic, or non-ferromagnetic.

How to Sell Scrap Steel in Indianapolis for Instant Cash

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, or in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322
Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322