Does Stainless Steel Have Magnetic Properties?

You cannot give a yes or a no as a straight answer to this question. That is because there are many different factors such as its structure, density of the iron, and more.

Austenitic steels in categories 304 and 316 are not magnetic. Many popular food processing plants are made of the same steel. Food products pass through these stainless steel machines. Due to the parts having friction between them, you may find tiny stainless steel bits in the final product later separated from the product using magnets. That is because when stainless steel is fatigued, it can be build up magnetic properties.

These tiny bits of work-hardened stainless steel can be dangerous and pose a risk of contamination in food products; hence, it is important to remove particles from products, both metal detectors, and magnetic separators be used.

If you are looking to implement stainless steel as your facility and want to know that is stainless steel magnetic, you should then speak to our specialists at Fort Bend Steel Supply for assistance. Call us at (281) – 499-5800.

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