300 series stainless steel alloys are austenitic; 400 series are martensitic.
300 series is formulated with nickel and a higher amount of chromium in the
composition than 400 and are more corrosion resistant. Unlike the 400 series,
the 300 series cannot be heat treated (well, technically you can heat treat
anything, but it will have little effect on the physical properties of this
steel).
Magnetism is determined mostly by the crystalline structure of the alloy. The
introduction of nickel promotes the formation of austentite which is non
magnetic. However, cold working creates pockets of martensite which is
magnetic. 304 is especially prone to this formation when cold worked; wire and
cable making is all about cold working steel. Wire is formed by drawing steel
rod though progressively smaller dies.
I think you would be hard pressed to find any 304 alloy stainless wire that is
not magnetic unless it was annealed after working.
Al
AB2ZY
________________________________________
From: TowerTalk [towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Brian Alsop
[alsopb@nc.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 1:18 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Magnetic 304 SS- Huh?
Guys,
I purchased a roll of 3/16" SS wire rope which was clearly labeled
304SS from Home Depot.
When I got home, I tested it with a magnet. It was highly attractive.
It gets returned.
I know there are some kinds of SS which show magnetism.
I think the explanation is "made in China" rather than some magical
change in SS 304 properties as it crosses the Pacific.
Am I wrong?
73 de Brian/K3KO
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