A magnet observation cannot replace the material designation and traceable identification record.
Name the property actually observed
Outokumpu distinguishes the magnetic behavior of stainless microstructural families. Magnetic response is a physical property, not a complete chemical composition measurement. Primary reference: Outokumpu stainless types.
Record what was observed and where, using the defined inspection method. Do not relabel that observation as proof of a specific grade. The material condition and manufacturing history can matter, and the responsible identification method must answer the actual composition or specification question.
A hypothetical receiving dispute
Imagine a fictional replacement plate described only as stainless. A magnet is attracted to it, and a receiving note declares that it cannot be stainless. That conclusion is unsupported because stainless is a family containing different magnetic behaviors. The opposite claim, that lack of attraction proves a specific austenitic grade, is also incomplete.
Prepare two columns: observed magnetic response and verified material identity. Place the required designation, lot reference and accepted identification evidence in the second column. The exercise reports no HM material result and offers no universal magnet-test acceptance criterion.
Choose evidence for the purchasing question
If the application needs a defined alloy, request the evidence supporting that requirement. If it needs a particular magnetic property, retain the property requirement and appropriate test basis separately. They may both matter without being interchangeable.
Keep fabrication and material-condition references where relevant to the accepted part. A simple observation can help frame a follow-up question, but it should not become a grade certificate or corrosion suitability decision. The useful outcome is a purchasing record that states which property was observed and which identity was actually established.
Customer Questions
Are all stainless steels nonmagnetic?
No. Stainless families have different magnetic behavior.
Does no attraction prove a named grade?
No. It does not establish complete alloy identity.
What if magnetic behavior itself is required?
Specify that property and its accepted test basis separately from the alloy designation.
Primary References
These references support the technical principles discussed in this guide. The worked examples and review questions are educational.
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