Are Magnetic Stainless Steels Inferior?
Stainless steel as we know comes in many different grades and are used for a wide range of applications. Often people use the magnetic test to see if their stainless is a “cheap” grade or not, but this test isn’t as simple as this and in this blog we will discuss this in a little more detail
1. Ferritic Stainless Steel
Common Ferritic stainless grades include: 3CR12, 409 and 430 which are the most available grades off the shelf in South Africa. There are other grades such as 434, 444, 439, 442 and 446. All these Grades are typically magnetic and if one holds a magnet onto it, it should stick properly. The main use for these steels is in domestic hardware, sinks, cutlery, and table tops. Ferritic alloys are used for the automotive industry and in construction such as steel structures, walkways, and stairs. Though these grades are better priced than Austenitic grades (see below) they are most definitely not considered “cheap” and are required in applications as listed above.
2. Austenitic Stainless Steel
Austenitic Stainless grades include: 304/L, 316/L, 309, 310 which are the most available options. Austenitic stainless steels are versatile and popular materials, known for their corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and suitability for the fabrication process. Austenitic stainless steel is widely used across most higher-specification industrial and domestic applications. Austenitic Stainless steels are not magnetic but can become slightly magnetic once worked on (i.e. bent, deep drawn or formed into a tube).
Now Read: Stainless Steel Grades in Coastal Applications
3. Duplex Stainless Steel
Duplex stainless steel grades include: 2205, 2101, 2304, 2507 to name a few. Duplex grades are not always available off the shelf but can be easily ordered on request. Duplex stainless steels are being increasingly used as structural materials in chemical and petrochemical applications, in power plants, etc. This is mainly due to their high resistance to localised corrosion as well as to their high strength and toughness. They are also generally used in extremely high corrosion applications. Duplex stainless steels combine characteristics of the austenitic and ferritic family of alloys to offer benefits from both with fewer downsides – often at a lower cost than other steel alloys. This material is also magnetic due to its ferritic characteristic.
To be clear there is no correlation between magnetism and corrosion resistance. Magnetic or non- magnetic doesn’t make the grade better or less than the other. We always like to re-iterate there are many different stainless steel grades for many different applications and one should just make sure they are using the right grade for the right application. This is essential from a cost and performance point of view.
Contact Euro Steel
At Euro Steel we stock and supply a wide range of stainless steel products for all the different applications. While we will point you in the right direction, our advice is that a suitably qualified engineer make the correct choice of grade in order to ensure optimal results and best product life cycle based on your specific requirements. We will direct you to specialists in every field for assistance if you are unsure. Get in touch with us today.Now Read: 5 Uses Of Stainless Steel In Our Everyday Lives
