316Ti Stainless Steel Is 316Ti Magnetic Test

 

 

 

316Ti Stainless Steel Is 316Ti Magnetic Test

Published: November 11, 2025 | Updated: November 11, 2025By Gangsteel Engineering Team – 25+ Years in Stainless Steel Export Excellence

In the specialized domain of stainless steels compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards, the magnetic test for 316Ti is a simple yet effective way to assess its condition, as this titanium-stabilized austenitic grade is generally non-magnetic in its annealed state but can exhibit slight magnetism if cold worked or stressed.

As a premier producer and exporter based in China, Gangsteel has supplied thousands of tons of 316Ti stainless steel, meeting ASTM A240/A240M specs for plates and sheets, to industries like petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and marine.

If you're conducting a magnetic test for 316Ti under ASME SA240/SA240M to verify annealing or detect work hardening in components like heat exchangers or piping, understanding its magnetic behavior is essential. This article explores the magnetic test for 316Ti, its non-magnetic nature, and practical insights, based on ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M standards and our mill data.

From our production lines, we've performed the magnetic test on 316Ti: In a 2024 U.S. valve fabrication, our annealed 316Ti bars under ASTM A240 /A240M showed no magnetic attraction, confirming full austenite structure, while cold-drawn samples exhibited slight magnetism from martensite formation, as per client permeability measurements. Compliant with ASME SA240/SA240M for pressure apps, 316Ti's density of 8.00 g/cm³ supports consistent testing. Let's delve into the magnetic test, from microstructure to procedure, to guide your evaluation.

 

Summary

316Ti stainless steel is non-magnetic in its annealed condition (permeability μr ≤ 1.3, no attraction to magnets), as it's fully austenitic, but can become slightly magnetic if cold worked due to martensite formation. Test with a strong magnet: no attraction = annealed; slight = worked. Density 8.00 g/cm³, PREN 23-28. Superior to ferritics in non-magnetic apps; ideal for non-magnetic fasteners. Gangsteel stocks 1-200mm with certs for custom needs.

 

Chemical Composition: Basis for Magnetic Behavior

The chemical composition of 316Ti, as per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, promotes a fully austenitic microstructure, which is non-magnetic.

Element	% Range or Max	Role in Magnetic Test
Carbon (C)	0.08 max	Low C maintains austenite; Ti binds for stability.
Manganese (Mn)	2.00 max	Austenite stabilizer; non-magnetic.
Silicon (Si)	0.75 max	Minor; no magnetic impact.
Phosphorus (P)	0.045 max	Limited; no effect on magnetism.
Sulfur (S)	0.030 max	Controlled; no magnetic influence.
Chromium (Cr)	16.00-18.00	Ferrite former but balanced by Ni for austenite.
Molybdenum (Mo)	2.00-3.00	Ferrite former; Ni counteracts for non-magnetic.
Nickel (Ni)	10.00-14.00	Strong austenite stabilizer; ensures non-magnetic.
Titanium (Ti)	5x(C+N) min, 0.70 max	Stabilizes austenite; prevents magnetic phases.
Nitrogen (N)	0.10 max	Austenite stabilizer; supports non-magnetic.
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Base; austenite form non-magnetic.

Ni (10-14%) and Ti ensure <1% ferrite, making 316Ti non-magnetic annealed.

Gangsteel's 316Ti meets ASME SA240/SA240M with verified non-magnetic stock.

For uns stainless steel plates, magnetic test performed.

 

Mechanical Properties: Context for Magnetic Behavior

316Ti's mechanical properties, per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, remain non-magnetic with high ductility.

Property	Minimum Value	Typical Range	Magnetic Test Notes
Tensile Strength (MPa)	515	550-700	High with non-magnetic austenite.
Yield Strength (MPa)	205	220-300	Good; magnetic if martensite from work.
Elongation (%)	40	45-55	Ductile non-magnetic matrix.
Hardness (HRB max)	95	80-90	Soft; higher if worked (magnetic).
Impact (Charpy J)	Not req.	100+ at RT	Tough non-magnetic.

Cold work induces martensite, increasing magnetism.

 

Physical Properties: Supporting Magnetic Test

Physical properties of 316Ti, compliant with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, include low permeability for non-magnetic test.

Property	Value	Notes on Magnetic Test
Density (g/cm³)	8.00	Standard for test calcs.
Melting Range (°C)	1370-1400	High; no magnetic phase.
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	14.6 (100°C)	Even heat for test uniformity.
Specific Heat (J/kg·K)	500	Efficient for annealing test.
Thermal Expansion (10^-6 /°C)	16.5 (20-100°C)	Low stress in test.
Permeability (μr)	≤1.3	Non-magnetic; test confirms.

Low μr = no attraction in magnetic test.

 

Magnetic Test for 316Ti: Procedure and Results

The magnetic test for 316Ti is simple: Use a neodymium magnet to check attraction.

• Procedure: Place magnet on surface; no attraction = non-magnetic (annealed austenite); slight = magnetic (martensite from work).
• Results: Annealed 316Ti: No attraction (μr ≤1.3); cold-worked: Slight (μr 1.3-1.5).
• Gangsteel Test: Annealed stock: No magnetism; 50% cold-reduced: Weak attraction.

Test confirms condition; not for grade ID.

Corrosion Resistance: Non-Magnetic Benefit

316Ti's corrosion resistance, per ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240/SA240M, is maintained in non-magnetic austenite.

• Uniform: <0.1 mm/year in acids.
• IGC: Resistant with Ti.
• SCC: Good in chlorides.
• Pitting: PREN 23-28.

Weldability and Fabrication: Magnetic Test Post-Fab

316Ti is highly weldable per ASTM A240/A240M, non-magnetic post-anneal. Magnetic test checks work hardening.

Gangsteel's 316Ti SA240 Type 316Ti maintains non-magnetic after fab.

 

Applications: Where Magnetic Test Matters

Non-magnetic 316Ti suits MRI equipment (no interference), chemical (corrosion).

In Gangsteel's supply to U.S. medical, non-magnetic test ensured compliance.

 

Equivalents: Grades with Similar Magnetic Test

Equivalents: EN 1.4571 (non-magnetic annealed). For A240 GR 316Ti, test matches.

 

Sourcing from Gangsteel: Stock and Pricing

Gangsteel stocks non-magnetic 316Ti at $3,200-3,800/ton FOB. 1-200mm thick, certs with test data. Contact for magnetic test reports.

FAQ: 316Ti Stainless Steel Magnetic Test Questions Answered

Q: Is 316Ti stainless steel magnetic?

A: No, 316Ti stainless steel is generally non-magnetic (permeability μr ≤ 1.3) in its annealed condition due to its fully austenitic structure, but can become slightly magnetic if heavily cold worked or deformed.

Q: How can I test if 316Ti is magnetic?

A: Use a strong neodymium magnet: Place it on the 316Ti surface—if there's no attraction, it's non-magnetic (annealed austenite); slight attraction indicates magnetism from cold work-induced martensite.

Q: Why is 316Ti non-magnetic in annealed condition?

A: 316Ti's fully austenitic microstructure (FCC γ-phase) in annealed condition is non-magnetic, with permeability μr ≤ 1.3, due to its balanced Ni/Cr composition and Ti stabilization preventing ferrite.

Q: Does cold working make 316Ti magnetic?

A: Yes, cold working can make 316Ti slightly magnetic by inducing strain martensite (α'), increasing permeability to 1.3-1.5, as seen in drawn wires or bent parts.

Q: How does magnetism in 316Ti compare to 304?

A: Both non-magnetic annealed (μr ≤ 1.3), but 316Ti's Mo/Ti may make it less prone to work-induced magnetism than 304; test shows 316Ti weaker attraction after similar deformation.

Q: Is welded 316Ti magnetic?

A: Welded 316Ti remains non-magnetic if annealed, but HAZ or filler (e.g., if ferritic) can induce slight magnetism; use low-ferrite fillers like ER316L to minimize.

Q: What is the permeability of 316Ti stainless steel?

A: The relative permeability (μr) of 316Ti is ≤ 1.3 in annealed condition, confirming it's non-magnetic; values >1.3 indicate work hardening or impurities.