Doesn't That Mean it is Also Non-Magnetic because it is Stainless Steel?
Not necessarily so. In fact, Type 304ss often has a detectable magnetic draw. And it is possible for Type 316ss to have a very slight magnetic draw.
The reason for this is fairly technical, but it has to do with the amount of chromium in the alloy and the process in which the part was made. Type 304ss has less chromium than Type 316ss, and it is the chromium that affects the microstructure of the surface of the steel. Because Type 316ss has more nickel in it and the presence of this additional nickel serves to enhance the affect of the chromium in the steel, Type 316ss will have little to no detectable magnetic draw.
What typically can create a magnetic draw is cold working or welding of the metal. Cold working in the form of bending, forming or machining can cause a change in the microstructure on the surface of the metal and reduce the effect of the chromium layer that exists on the surface. And again, because Type 304ss has less nickel than Type 316ss, it is more susceptible to developing a degree of magnetism.
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