The ability of stainless steel to resist corrosion is frequently noted. However, different grades also have different magnetic properties. Steel magnets have the lowest magnetic properties among the three stainless steel grades. However, depending on how they are produced, ferritic and martensitic steels have even greater magnetic properties.
Austenitic
Chromium generally makes between 17 to 25 percent of austenitic steel. Although austenitic metals are renowned for their strength and weldability, this family of stainless steels has a low magnetic permeability. When in the annealed condition, which is what happens when stainless steel is heated, metals of the austenitic family do not have magnetic permeability. This is because austenitic steels have a high nickel content. The highest degree of magnetism may be obtained in severely cold-worked austenitic types 302 and 304 that are mildly ferromagnetic. Due to the high nickel-to-chromium ratio of austenitic metals like 316 stainless steel, cold working has no impact on evoking magnetic properties.
Through the use of stress relief during the heat treatment process, 302 and 304 stainless steel may be brought back to its non-magnetic form. A comprehensive solution treatment carried out at temperatures between 1000 and 1150 degrees Celsius will entirely eliminate the capacity to produce magnetism.
Ferritic
Due to their magnetic softness, ferritic steels are easily magnetized and demagnetized. Soft magnetic metals are employed in the manufacture of a diverse range of goods, from freezers to the power supply for electronic circuits. Ferritic steels are frequently used for applications requiring corrosion resistance, despite the fact that alternative metals on the market are thought to be more efficient for manufacturing soft magnetic components. Ferritic steels are employed in a variety of goods, including pole parts and solenoid cores.
Martensitic
Martensitic steel is ferromagnetic, just as ferritic metals. Martensitic steel has to be tempered, polished, and hardened in order to attain its full potential for corrosive resistance. The hardened state of martensitic steel makes it permanently magnetic when magnetized.
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