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Testing of stainless steel welds

Testing of stainless steel welds

Testing of stainless steel welds

(OP)
We have hade some frames made from 304 stainless steel which then have been powder coated
We suspect that some of the welds have been done with mild steel filler rod
Is there a quick way to check if mild steel has been used?
Someone has suggested testing the welds with a magnet, would this be reliable? Some welds on the frames are more magnetic than others  
Thanks

RE: Testing of stainless steel welds

Yes. If possible, remove the powder coating to expose only the weld metal surface, a check with a small magnet should work. A strong attraction will be felt if the weld was deposited with carbon steel filler.

Stainless steel welds will exhibit a very mild or weak attraction because of the ferrite content in the weld deposit.

RE: Testing of stainless steel welds

you could use coppersulphate . it turns brown on mild stel.

RE: Testing of stainless steel welds

A 5% nital acid solution will provide a sure method for distinguishing between the steel (if present) and stainless materials.

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