304 stainless steel is non-magnetic or weakly magnetic under normal circumstances. 304 stainless steel belongs to austenitic stainless steel, and its internal structure determines that it is basically non-magnetic. However, during cold processing, such as stamping, stretching, rolling, etc., 304 stainless steel will undergo phase change and may have a certain degree of magnetism, and the greater the deformation, the stronger the magnetism. In the annealed state, 304 stainless steel is non-magnetic.
The austenitic stainless steel grade 304 is not magnetic but it may become a little magnetic in areas that have been cold working (bending, deforming, etc.).
1. Cold Working (Strain-Induced Martensite Formation)
When 304 stainless steel is bent, rolled, hammered, or otherwise mechanically deformed, its crystal structure changes.
Some of the austenite transforms into martensite, which is a ferromagnetic phase.
This is why a bent or worked piece of 304 stainless steel is often partially magnetic.
2. Welding and Heating Effects
When heated and slowly cooled, 304 stainless steel can undergo phase changes that may slightly alter its magnetism.
However, heating generally reduces magnetism, especially if it reverts the structure back to a fully austenitic state.
3. Grain Boundaries and Impurities
Small variations in composition or manufacturing processes can create localized areas with slight magnetic properties.
Annealing at 1050–1100°C (1920–2010°F), followed by slow cooling, will restore the fully austenitic (non-magnetic) structure.
If magnetism is unwanted, consider using 316 stainless steel, which is less prone to martensitic transformation.
High temperature resistance: 304 stainless steel can withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees and has excellent high temperature resistance.
Corrosion resistance: 304 stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, especially in chemically stable environments.
Processing performance: 304 stainless steel is easy to process, has good tensile and welding properties, and is suitable for the manufacture of various complex shapes.
Environmental protection: 304 stainless steel is often used in food processing and storage because it does not contain lead and does not release harmful substances.
Applied in construction, chemistry, food, automobiles, homes and medical fields, such as water pipes, tableware, etc.
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