Does Steel Remain Magnetic Above its Melting Point?

AI Thread Summary
Steel loses its magnetic properties at temperatures below its melting point, specifically at the Curie temperature, which is around 800 Celsius for iron. The exact temperature can vary for steel depending on its carbon content. The discussion highlights the challenge of using rare Earth magnets during welding, as the steel will lose its magnetic properties at the Curie temperature. Additionally, while welding generates a current that produces a magnetic field, it is uncertain if this field is sufficient to affect the welding process. Understanding these temperature thresholds is crucial for applications involving welding and magnetism in steel.
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Does anyone know if steel is still magnetic at over it's melting temp? If it does lose it's magnetic properties as a liquid, at what point does it happen? Gradual or at a certain temp?
 
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Look up Curie temperature for ferromagnetic materials.
The ferromagnetic properties are lost way before the melting point.For iron the Curie temperature is about 800 Celsius whereas the melting point is about 1500 Celsius.
For steel it's a little more complicated as the properties depend on the carbon content.
 
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Too bad, I was thinking about incorporating rare Earth magnets on the back side of steel when welding to get deeper penetration in hard to get at places.
 
It would lose it properties at the curie temperature. But when welding there is a current running through the steel. And this current will produce a magnetic field. I just don't know if its enough to do anything.
 

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