Ask A Scientist© Environmental Earth Science Archive

name         Dave N.
status       other
age          30s

Question -   I am wondering if you can refer me to a source or provide
me information on the differing magnetic properties of various steel
types?  I am working on a project that I would like to use commonly
available steel to attach magnets to.  I would like to use inexpensive
steel but don't know what types of steel I can obtain and still have it
have strong magnetism (e.g. - stainless steel does not work, carbonsteel
would - I think, what if there is a zinc coating over carbon steel to
prevent corrosion)  Or more simply what is the best, most common/least
expensive steel I could buy and still be assured good results?  (Maybe
the magnet itself is the bigger variable than the steel?)
------------------------------------------------
Do a web search on the term(s) "steel(s) magnetic properties" and you will
get a lot of "hits" such as:
http://www.ceramaseal.com/reference/magnetic_properties.cfm
I use the search engine: www.google.com

Vince Calder
=========================================================