Yes. Duplex stainless steel is magnetic. Its microstructure is a mixture of austenitic and ferritic grains, and while austenitic structures are non-magnetic, ferritic structures are, so duplex grades are magnetic overall.
Magnetic permeability by grade
Magnetic permeability measures how strongly a metal is attracted to a magnet. Typical values are:
- Austenitic stainless steels, such as Fermonic® 50: reported as <1.05.
- Duplex and super duplex stainless steels: around 50.
- Ferritic stainless steels: in the hundreds.
The difference between the duplex and ferritic values is not significant in normal circumstances. Both can be considered magnetic and can be handled and sorted by exploiting their magnetic properties.
| Family | Magnetic permeability |
|---|---|
| Austenitic (e.g. Fermonic® 50) | <1.05 |
| Duplex / super duplex | ~50 |
| Ferritic | Hundreds |