Stainless Steel Products

Because it is Stainless Steel, Doesn't That Mean it is Also Non-Magnetic?

Not necessarily so. In fact, Type 304ss often has a detectable magnetic draw. And it is possible for Type 316ss to have a very slight magnetic draw.

The reason for this is fairly technical, but it has to do with the amount of chromium in the alloy and the process in which the part was made. Type 304ss has less chromium than Type 316ss, and it is the chromium that affects the microstructure of the surface of the steel. Because Type 316ss has more nickel in it and the presence of this additional nickel serves to enhance the affect of the chromium in the steel, Type 316ss will have little to no detectable magnetic draw.

What typically can create a magnetic draw is cold working or welding of the metal. Cold working in the form of bending, forming or machining can cause a change in the microstructure on the surface of the metal and reduce the effect of the chromium layer that exists on the surface. And again, because Type 304ss has less nickel than Type 316ss, it is more susceptible to developing a degree of magnetism.

How Can "Stainless Steel" Rust?

Although stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion than ordinary carbon or alloy steels, in some circumstances it can corrode. It is "stainless" not "stain-impossible."

Type 304ss is more susceptible to forming rust than Type 316ss. This is due to the presence of higher levels of both nickel and molybdenum. Stamping, forming and welding can disrupt the surface microstructure of stainless steel and this is more so the case for Type 304ss.

Salt water, salt in the air and chemicals can attack Type 304ss causing pitting to occur. The additional nickel and molybdenum in Type 316ss make it less likely for corrosion to occur when exposed to these same elements.

Galvanic corrosion can occur when stainless comes into contact with dissimilar metals when an electrolyte, water or other solution is present.

Passivation of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is not resistant to chemical or physical attack. The corrosion resistance depends on the formation of a passive surface. Stainless steel is only “stainless” when the surface oxidizes with chromium and other elements to develop a protective film that resists further oxidation. This protected oxide film is considered a passive surface. Slowly and naturally, the passive layer develops on the surface as the chromium reacts with oxygen in the air. This layer is invisible and only a few molecules thick, but it provides a barrier to prevent oxygen and moisture from reaching the iron underneath.
After stainless steel equipment or hardware has been installed, the existing passive layer can be damaged or removed by physical abrasion (brushing, grinding, scraping) or by chemical reactions. If this damage happens faster than the passive layer can heal itself naturally, rusting will result.
Chemical passivation is a two-step process. The first step is to remove any free iron or iron compound that is on the surface, otherwise this iron will create a localized site where corrosion can continue. Acid is used to dissolve away the iron and its compounds. The surface itself is not affected by this process. The second step is to use an oxidizer to force the conversion of chromium metal on the surface to the oxide form. This will create the uniform chromium oxide protective layer.

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