Identity crisis

[mofosheee]

Dear Forum

I'm trying to identify a piece metal that is to be welded. It looks like stainless ................but I'm not sure.
The material is magnetic and shows no sign of rust or corrosion.

What would a smarter person do?

Thanks!

 

[FOMOGO]

Probably 400 series stainless if magnetic. you can weld it with regular mig wire if your not concerned about the weld rusting. Mike

 

[Ulma Doctor]

A spark test may be in order
Tool steel generally sparks bright white
Mild steel sparks orange
300 series generally spark red
400 series generally spark white

 

[G-ManBart]

Dear Forum

I'm trying to identify a piece metal that is to be welded. It looks like stainless ................but I'm not sure.
The material is magnetic and shows no sign of rust or corrosion.

What would a smarter person do?

Thanks!

There are some steels like 1045 often used for hydraulic rams that shows no rust or corrosion after years of exposure. What's more important is what it's being used for. If it's for yard art it doesn't really matter. If you're trying to make something that will take a load or stress then things change. Do you have more of the metal to make a test weld, then put some stress on it and/or do a cut and etch?