Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Can 17-4PH stainless steel be magnetized?

I would like to know if 17-4PH stainless steel can be magnetized? And also I would like to know the alloy elements of it?

Rey Quiazon
- Yokohama, Japan
2000

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2001

You asked about the magnetism of 17-4 stainless steel. I have not put a magnet to a piece to see for myself; but 17-4 is a martensitic type stainless and also is considered a precipitation hardening type . Both of these types are considered magnetic although 17-4 does not exhibit as much magnetic properties as others. If you need a non-magnetic type you had best use the austenitic types such as 302, 303, 304, 316, or 317. The disadvantage to these austenitic grades is that you can not heat treat them. I do not know of any completely " non-magnetic " heat-treatable stainless steels.

Bob Moseley
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.

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Stainless Steel
The term for grades of steel that contain more than 10% chromium, with or without other alloying elements. Stainless steel resists corrosion, maintains its strength at high temperatures, and is easily maintained. For these reasons, it is used widely in items such as automotive and food processing products, as well as medical and health equipment. The most common grades of stainless steel are: TYPE 304 The most commonly specified austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless steel, accounting for more than half of the stainless steel produced in the world. This grade withstands ordinary corrosion in architecture, is durable in typical food processing environments, and resists most chemicals. Type 304 is available in virtually all product forms and finishes. TYPE 316 Austenitic (chromium-nickel stainless class) stainless steel containing 2%-3% molybdenum (whereas 304 has none). The inclusion of molybdenum gives 316 greater resistance to various forms of deterioration. TYPE 409 Ferritic (plain chromium stainless category) stainless steel suitable for high temperatures. This grade has the lowest chromium content of all stainless steels and thus is the least expensive. TYPE 410 The most widely used martensitic (plain chromium stainless class with exceptional strength) stainless steel, featuring the high level of strength conferred by the martensitics. It is a low-cost, heat-treatable grade suitable for non-severe corrosion applications. TYPE 430 The most widely used ferritic (plain chromium stainless category) stainless steel, offering general-purpose corrosion resistance, often in decorative applications.

Rich Holden
- Memphis, Tennessee, USA
2003