Basic Methods of Identifying
Stainless Steel

Magnetic, spark, hardness and acid identification
tests for austenitic,  martensitic and  ferritic stainless steels.

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Stainless steel metal plate

Stainless steel is an alloy that has a very attractive appearance. It is in big demand as it has the capacity to resist rust and various other kinds of corrosion. Stainless steel properties are that they essentially have shared properties and as such stainless steel is considered to be a material that is universal and just ideally suited for the challenges of the present times. It is available in various grades and categories and each of these is distinguished by specific characteristics. Chromium is present in SS and that is why it is stainless and it is also the reason why it is resistant to corrosion.

Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains a minimum chromium content of 10.5%. The chromium reacts with the oxygen in the air and forms a protective layer that makes stainless steel highly resistant to corrosion and rust. At the moment, there are over 150 varieties of stainless steel in the market. Because of its low maintenance nature, resistance to oxidation and staining, stainless steel is preferred in many applications, particularly those where aesthetics matter. Even with these impressive features, stainless steel can and does rust after all, it’s 'stainless' not 'stainfree'. Some types of stainless steel are more prone to corrosion than others, depending on the chromium content. The higher the chromium content, the less likely the metal will rust. But, over time and if not maintained correctly, rust can and will develop on stainless steel.

SS 201

SS 310/310H/310S

SS 347/347H

SS 301

SS 316/316L

SS 410/410S

SS 304

SS 316Ti

SS 446

SS 305
SS 317/317L

Stainless Steels - Identification Tests

Magnetic, spark, hardness and acid identification tests for austenitic, martensitic and ferritic stainless steels. 
Stainless steels can be hard to identify. The different types can be distinguished by methods as:
  • magnet testing
  • spark testing 
  • hardness testing 
  • acid testing 

Stainless Steel Density

Stainless steel density is 7.7 g/cm³. When stainless steel is used in different processes in various industries, it reduces the delivery time taken by the parts made of stainless steel. This is because, as a result of using stainless steel, there is no need for a finish to be done. Stainless steel has a higher ductility and a higher work hardening rate. Stainless steel has higher hot strength and higher cryogenic toughness. Stainless steel is available in more than 150 grades, but only 15 grades are used commonly. A really great thing about stainless steel is that it is 100% recyclable.

Stainless Steel Weight

There are various formula and online calculators that let one easily calculate the stainless steel weight. Stainless steel is categorized under 5 categories and these include the 200 and 300 series of stainless steel which are known as austenitic stainless steels. Then there is the 400 series, which are the ferritic stainless steels. The 400 series and 500 series are called martensitic stainless steels. Then there are the PH types of stainless steel, which are the precipitation hardening grade stainless steels. And lastly, there is the mixture of ferritic and austenitic stainless steels, which are known as duplex stainless steels.

Benefits of Stainless Steel

  • Strength:  A fundamental property of stainless steel is its strength. It remains incredibly strong at very high or low temperatures, making it a highly sought-after metal for demand applications like aviation.
  • Easy to clean:  As it is one of the most hygienic materials, its use in catering and medical applications is suitable. It doesn’t support the growth of bacteria and is easy to clean and sterilize, hence is low maintenance. It can be cleaned using a swab and an all-purpose cleaner, making it beneficial for use in kitchens and hospitals.
  • Aesthetics: Strength is not the only property of stainless steel. It also looks great which is why it is commonly featured in architecture. It adds a sleek and contemporary look to classic and modern spaces, without compromising on functionality.
  • Corrosion resistance:  Stainless steel can fend off rust and water stains as it is highly resistant to corrosion. This is why stainless steel applications extend to outdoor as well as indoor applications at various pressure and temperature extremes. This property of stainless steel comes from the addition of chromium to the metal, which when exposed to oxygen, creates a fine film over the steel to protect it.
  • Recyclable:  Most of the stainless steel is made from recycled steel. Impressively, its qualities do not deteriorate once the metal is recycled, allowing it to be reused continuously and benefit the environment.

 

Factors Affecting Rust on Stainless Steel

Various factors can affect the ability of stainless steel to resist corrosion. The composition of the steel is the single biggest concern when it comes to corrosion resistance. The elements in the different grades of stainless steel can adversely affect corrosion resistance. The environment where the metal is used is another factor that can amplify the chances of stainless steel rusting. Environments with chlorine like swimming pools are highly corrosive. Also, environments with salty water can accelerate the corrosion on stainless steel. Finally, maintenance will have an effect on the metal's ability to resist rust. The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen in the air to produce a protective chromium oxide layer across the surface. Although very thin, this layer is what protects the metal from corrosion. This layer can be destroyed by harsh environments or mechanical damage such as scratches however, if cleaned properly and in a suitable environment, the protective layer will form again restoring the protective properties.

Types of Stainless Steel Corrosion

There are different types of stainless steel corrosion. Each of them presents different challenges and requires different handling.

  • General corrosion:  it’s the most predictable and easiest to handle. It’s characterised by a uniform loss of the entire surface.
  • Galvanic Corrosion:  this type of corrosion affects most metal alloys. It refers to a situation where one metal comes into contact with another and causes one or both to react with each other and corrode.
  • Pitting corrosion:  it’s a localised type of corrosion which leaves cavities or holes. It’s prevalent in environments containing chlorides.
  • Crevice corrosion:  also localised corrosion that occurs at the crevice between two joining surfaces. It can happen between two metals or a metal and a non-metal.

 

How to Prevent Stainless Steel from Rusting

Rusting stainless steel can be a concern and look unsightly. The metal is designed to resist corrosion which is why most users have fears when they start noticing stains and rusting on the metal. Luckily, there are various methods at different stages that can help to improve rust and corrosion resistance.

Design

Preparation during the planning phase, when using stainless steel, can pay off in the long run. Ensure the metal is used in areas with minimal water penetration to reduce damage to the surface. In cases where contact with water is inevitable, drainage holes should be applied. The design should also allow free circulation of air to prevent damage to the alloy.

Fabrication

During fabrication, exceptional care should be taking on the surrounding environment to avoid cross-contamination with other metals. Everything from the tools, storage units, turning rolls and chains should be carefully monitored not to drop impurities into the alloy. This can increase the potential formation of rust.

Maintenance

Once the alloy is installed, regular maintenance is key in rust prevention, also limiting the progression of any rust that might have already formed. Remove formed rust using mechanical or chemical means and clean the alloy with warm water and soap. You should also cover the metal with a rust-resistant coating.

Density of Stainless Steel

The density of stainless steel is approximately 7,500kg/m3 to 8,000kg/m3 depending on the alloy. Because it’s a metal alloy, the density can be affected by other volumes of other elements present. If you know the components in the metal, it’s possible to calculate the proportion and eventually the density of the metal. However, most of the stainless steel alloys are in the range of 7,500kg/m3 to 8,000kg/m3 depending on the grade of stainless steel.

The unique density of stainless steel makes it a preferred option for various applications. Some of the benefits stainless steel offers include:

  • Rust Resistant:  The most stand-out feature of stainless steel is its ability to resist rust. It’s also capable of resisting differing types of corrosion depending on the grade of stainless steel being used and the application. The complex coating on stainless steel that gives its unique rust-resistant abilities differs depending on the grade of stainless steel.
  • Super Strong:  Stainless steel retains the strength properties that steel is known for. What’s more, it can be produced with varieties of hardness and strength for different applications. In most cases, because of its strength and corrosion resistance abilities, stainless steel is preferred in the construction industry.
  • Aesthetic Appeal:  Other than its strength and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel is also known for its aesthetic finish. Stainless steel can be produced with a mirror finish, as well as a collection of other finishes like brushed and dull polished.

Because of its unique look, it’s commonly used in manufacturing sinks and electronics like stoves and refrigerators.

Stainless Steel is magnetic or not?

Most people are unsure whether stainless steel is a magnetic or a non-magnetic metal. Some believe it could be magnetic because it has traces of iron, but in a real sense, the answer is neither a yes or a no. Some stainless steel varieties are magnetic while others aren’t.

For stainless steel to be magnetic, it has to meet certain requirements:

  • The alloy must have iron in it.
  • The crystal structure of the alloy must be arranged in a martensitic or ferritic structure.

All stainless steel metals are a type of steel. That means their chemical composition contains iron. In most cases, stainless steel varieties with iron in their composition are magnetic. If the alloy has an austenitic crystal structure, then it’s not magnetic.

Which Types of Stainless Steel are Magnetic?

Whether a type of stainless steel is magnetic or not, it can be grouped depending on the type of stainless steel. Some of the typical magnetic stainless steels include:

  • Stainless steel grades 409, 430 and 439 also known as ferritic stainless steel.
  • Stainless steel grades 410, 420 and 440 – martensitic stainless steels.

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. The crystal structure of ferrite and iron is what makes these types of stainless steel magnetic. However, some of the stainless steels with ferrite have a weak magnetic pull.

Martensitic stainless steels

Most of the stainless steel in this category are magnetic. If iron is present, the crystal structure of martensitic stainless steel can be ferromagnetic. Because iron is the primary material in stainless steel, martensitic steels have magnetic properties.

Why Does Magnetism In Stainless Steel is very important?

Magnetism affects the performance and intended use of the material during application. Throughout fabrications and other processes like welding, magnetic materials can complicate the processes being carried out. Magnetic materials can also cause electric currents to behave differently.

Austenitic Stainless Steels

Most stainless steels falling under this category are non-magnetic because they contain high amounts of austenite. Even though some of the metals like grade 304 and 316 have iron in their chemical composition, they are austenite, meaning they are non-ferromagnetic. They can be made partially magnetic through special thermal treatment or work-hardening which can form ferrite in some locations. This is why, austenitic grades display vary slight magnetism on any edge that has been mechanically worked, such as the edge of a sheet.

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