Which type of stainless steel is characterized as being magnetic?

The correct type of stainless steel characterized as being magnetic is 430. This particular grade is a ferritic stainless steel, which contains a higher proportion of iron and is non-hardenable by heat treatment. The presence of the ferritic structure allows it to exhibit magnetic properties, distinguishing it from austenitic stainless steels, like 304 and 316, which are non-magnetic due to their face-centered cubic crystalline structure.

Grade 430 is commonly used in applications where moderate corrosion resistance is required, such as in kitchen equipment and automotive parts, where its magnetic characteristics may offer advantages in certain assembly or manufacturing processes. It’s essential to recognize that the magnetic nature of 430 makes it suitable for specific applications compared to the non-magnetic austenitic grades.