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.

Indianapolis Steel Recycling
Indianapolis Steel Recycling 1-888-586-5322

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

The 3 Easiest Metals to Recycle

If you are interested in joining the millions of Americans who recycle, on the best ways to start is with metal recycling. Continue reading to learn why, and which metals are the easiest for beginners!

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers
Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

Scrap Metal Recycling Benefits Us All

Metal recycling is one of the most important enterprises in our world because it serves so many vital benefits. Not only does recycling metal preserve our natural resources, it also reduces the need for mining, which also reduces mining-related deaths and injuries. Furthermore, scrap metal recycling keeps our economies strong by stimulating business and providing jobs.

Value of Scrap Metal

Metal is 100% recyclable, and can be reprocessed over and over again to serve many purposes. From roofing and other building materials, to pavement, food packaging, furnishings, automobiles, airplanes, appliances, and more, the list of possibilities continues to grow each year. For this reason, it is highly sought-out by an industry known as scrap metal buyers.

That’s right; scrap metal recycling centers will pay people for their scrap metal, which gives you another reason why you should get started on your own stockpile! Scrap metal is usually evaluated by weight, which is applied to the type of metal and its particular market value. Scrappers use these three factors to generate an offer for sellers. These same factors will determine how much you earn for your own stockpile.

What to Recycle Around You

All metal is recyclable, and all commodities that contain it will be accepted by scrap metal recycling companies. The easiest metals to recycle are those that are most abundant and available to you. The top 3 include:

Steel – Junk Cars, car parts, boats, watercrafts, golf carts, scooters, motorcycles, construction equipment, farming equipment, refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, power tools, surgical tools, air ducts, chimney caps, roof cladding, doors, utensils, etc.

Aluminum – Food cans, soda cans, pots and pans, bicycles, plumbing fixtures, patio furniture, window frames, door frames, car wheels, ladders, golf clubs, etc.

Copper – Electronics, wiring, electrical equipment, computers, circuit boards, plumbing components, fixtures, pots and pans, brass objects, bronze objects, coins, etc.

Where to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis and Central Indiana

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to get paid cash for scrap metal in Central and Southern Indiana. Our Indianapolis metal recycling professionals pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and more. Request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.

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