Is 316 Stainless Steel Magnetic? The Truth Behind a Common Misconception

Published by Builders Stainless
www.buildersstainless.com

When customers shop for stainless steel products—especially for structural or marine applications—one question that often comes up is:

“Is 316 stainless steel magnetic?”

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll explore the magnetic properties of 316 stainless steel, why it matters, and how it impacts your next project.

What Is 316 Stainless Steel?

316 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless alloy, containing high amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. This combination gives it excellent corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater and marine environments, making it the go-to choice for:

• Marine hardware

• Structural brackets

• Coastal construction

• Food-grade processing equipment

Is It Magnetic?

Short answer:
316 stainless steel is generally considered non-magnetic—in its annealed (non-hardened) condition.

Longer answer:
Under certain conditions, 316 stainless steel can become slightly magnetic. Here's why:

Why Can It Become Magnetic?

1. Cold Working or Forming

   • When 316 stainless steel is bent, drilled, stamped, or otherwise worked, its crystal structure can change.

   • This mechanical stress can induce ferrite or martensite phases, which are magnetic.

2. Welding

   • Heat from welding can also alter the microstructure, increasing magnetic response in some areas.

3. Manufacturing Variations

   • Not all 316 stainless products are manufactured the same way. Some may already have a mild magnetic pull due to prior forming.

Should You Be Concerned?

For most applications, a slight magnetic property has no negative impact—especially in construction, marine, or industrial settings. However, for sensitive electronic or magnetic field applications, it’s worth testing your parts with a magnet.

At Builders Stainless, we ensure that all our 316 components—including our popular angle brackets—are fabricated to maintain structural integrity and corrosion resistance, whether or not magnetic properties develop through processing.

When Magnetic Properties Matter

You might care about magnetic characteristics if you're working with:

• MRI rooms or scientific labs

• Electronic enclosures

• Magnetic-sensitive environments

• Marine navigation systems

In those cases, you should request non-magnetic certified stainless, or consider fully annealed 316 with minimal work hardening.

Conclusion

316 stainless steel is mostly non-magnetic, but it can exhibit mild magnetism after fabrication. That’s not a flaw—it’s just physics. At Builders Stainless, we’re here to help you choose the right material for the job, and we’re happy to answer technical questions to make sure you get exactly what you need.

Need help choosing the right stainless hardware?
Contact us or browse our full collection at www.buildersstainless.com