Why is stainless steel non-magnetic?

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SUMMARY

Stainless steel's magnetic properties vary significantly based on its composition and treatment. Austenitic stainless steels, specifically the 300 series, are non-magnetic in their annealed condition, while martensitic stainless steels, such as the 400 series, exhibit magnetic properties. Cold working austenitic stainless steel can induce magnetism due to the formation of martensite. The underlying cause of these magnetic properties is linked to the crystalline structure of the steel.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stainless steel classifications (Austenitic vs. Martensitic)
  • Basic knowledge of metallurgy and crystalline structures
  • Familiarity with the effects of cold working on materials
  • Knowledge of magnetic properties in metals
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences between 300 series and 400 series stainless steels
  • Learn about the process of cold working and its effects on steel properties
  • Explore the role of crystalline structure in determining magnetic properties
  • Investigate the formation of martensite in stainless steel
USEFUL FOR

Metallurgists, materials scientists, engineers, and anyone interested in the properties and applications of stainless steel.

PeteGt
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Maybe this is more of a chemisty question but I have found that stainless steel is not magnetic. I can only reason that this would be if the Fe (iron) inside the steel is actually bonded with the other components of steel thus making the 3d spins useless to become aligned.

i did a search and didn't come up with much, any ideas?

pete
 
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Actually, most stainless steels show attraction to magnets, it is the austenitic ones (300 series) that are not magnetic IN THE ANNEALED CONDITION. If you cold work the material enough you will induce magnetic properties to the material due to the formation of martensite. The martensitic stainless steels (400 series) are magnetic. I really can not go to the exact cause of the magnetism though (I'm not a metallurgist). I had always heard it was a result of the crystalline structure, but that really is about it. Hopefully we can get someone else in here that can give you a much more detailed answer.
 
interesting, that's great that you know that much! That's at least more helpful.

It would still be interesting to see why this happens.
 

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