Other than austenitic stainless steels, most steel does attract magnets. Galvanised steel, Corten steel, mild steel, cold-reduced steel and hot-rolled steel are all magnetic. Which Metals are Not Magnetic?
Ferritic stainless steels
This type of stainless steel is magnetic primarily because it contains large quantities of ferrite in its chemical composition, which is a compound of iron and other elements.
Austenitic stainless steels like 304 or 316 stainless are good examples of this. A ferritic stainless like 430 stainless steel, on the other hand, is ferromagnetic. Magnets stick to it. You might see magnetic forces that are 5-20% weaker compared to low carbon steel.
The strongest permanent magnets in the world are neodymium (Nd) magnets, they are made from magnetic material made from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron to form the Nd2Fe14B structure.
From our experience 304SS small particles are more likely to be held in the flow than 316 SS particles due to its slightly more magnetic nature.
General Properties
Alloy 303 is a non-magnetic, austenitic stainless steel that is not hardenable by heat treatment. It is the free machining modification of the basic 18% chromium / 8% nickel stainless steel.
Alloy 416HT is easily machined, is always magnetic, and has low frictional properties that reduce galling and seizing.
Cold-Rolled Steel
Cold finished steel is distinctive by its aesthetic appearance, having well-defined corners, more uniformity, and a smooth surface. Because of this cold-rolled steel is best suited for magnetic projects that require accurate precision or where visual appeal is important.
All stainless steel is magnetic except austenitic stainless steel which is actually 300 series stainless such as 304 and 316. However, 300 series stainless is non-magnetic only after it is freshly formed. 304 is almost for sure to become magnetic after cold work such as pressing, blasting, cutting, etc.
1045 Steel has become magnetic.
Stainless steels are not all magnetic. There are magnetic and non-magnetic stainless steels, depending on the composition. To be magnetic, it must meet certain requirements. In order to better understand stainless steel and its magnetic properties, let's examine what stainless steel is.
Cobalt. Cobalt is a ferromagnetic metal. Over the past 100 years, cobalt has been used widely because of its excellent magnetic properties. Cobalt can be used to make both soft and hard magnets.
Galvanized steel is magnetic because the base steel metal is magnetic. Galvanized steel is covered with a thin layer of zinc and this process does not interfere with the magnetic strength of the steel.
Chrome Steel Balls
52100 is a low alloy steel containing high levels of carbon and chromium, that is hardened and generally used as bearings. For the magnetic sculpture artist, these balls make great flexible joints, and juction points. Note: Chrome Steel Balls are not magnets. They are however attracted to magnets.
The answer to this question is yes, high carbon steel is magnetic. Detailed below are the properties of high carbon steel and what makes something magnetic, ultimately leading to a more detailed explanation as to why high carbon steel is considered magnetic.
It is magnetic and heat treatable. 4140 alloy steel is generally harder and stronger than carbon steel. Additionally, it provides high impact resistance, fatigue strength, and torsional strength, which makes 4140 a great choice for drive shafts, axles, and torsion bars.
Metals that attract magnets are known as ferromagnetic metals. These metals are made up of billions of individual atoms that have magnetic properties, meaning magnets stick to them firmly. Some examples are iron, cobalt, nickel, steel (because it is mostly iron), manganese, gadolinium and lodestone.
Metals that attract to magnets
Metals that naturally attract to magnets are known as ferromagnetic metals; these magnets will firmly stick to these metals. For example, iron, cobalt, steel, nickel, manganese, gadolinium, and lodestone are all ferromagnetic metals.
If it's real gold it will not stick to the magnet. (Fun fact: Real gold is not magnetic.) Fake gold, on the other hand, will stick to the magnet.
Magnetic metals
Iron is magnetic, so any metal with iron in it will be attracted to a magnet. Steel contains iron, so a steel paperclip will be attracted to a magnet too. Most other metals, for example aluminium, copper and gold, are NOT magnetic. Two metals that aren't magnetic are gold and silver.
A2 Stainless Steel
A2 (304, 18/8) is an austenitic steel and is non-magnetic. The chromium provides a corrosion and oxidation resistance, however it can tarnish.
Devoid of nickel and with a grain structure similar to carbon steel, the 400-series stainless steels are slightly magnetic.
Austenitic stainless steels, like 304, are non-magnetic, which is why some fridges and dishwashers won't hold a kitchen magnet. In comparison, the ferritic 430 stainless steel is magnetic.
Alloy 302 is a slightly higher carbon version of 304, often found in strip and wire forms. It is a tough, ductile grade that demonstrates comparable corrosion resistance, is non-magnetic, and is not hardenable by heat treatment.