Some metal elements, such as cobalt, iron and nickel, are magnetic, meaning they have spontaneous internal magnetic fields. Steel is not an element itself, but an alloy made of different elements, mainly iron and carbon. Iron is a ferromagnetic material, meaning it is permanently magnetic. Therefore, the magnetic properties of steel depend on how much iron it contains. Different demagnetization techniques can reduce the magnetization of steel to zero.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn't Read)
Demagnetizing steel removes its permanent magnetic field. Steel can be demagnetized with a commercial demagnetizer, a hammer or by heating it to a very high temperature, known as the Curie temperature.
Use a Commercial Demagnetizer
A demagnetizer, also known as a degausser, is an electric solenoid (coil) powered by alternating current. It comes in many forms to suit all industrial requirements, including tool, handheld, pen style and table type. In all cases, the current produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field strength and polarity alternates, just like the current does. When the steel item is within an inch or two of the demagnetizer's surface, press the trigger button to start the demagnetization process. If the steel is still magnetized, you can test this by trying to pick up a small metal object with the steel item, like a paperclip, repeat the process.
Use a Hammer
A small piece of steel can be struck with a hammer to demagnetize it. Place the item on a hard, secure, non-metallic surface and hit it sharply a few times with a hammer. The shock of being struck transmits energy through the steel, which rearranges the order of its atoms and lowers its magnetic output. This must be done perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field or in an East to West direction. Test the magnetism of the steel item and repeat if necessary.
Heat to Curie Temperature
All ferromagnets have a Curie temperature, the temperature where the ferromagnetic property disappears due to thermal agitation. The Curie temperature of iron is 770 degrees Celsius or 1,417 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, steel's atoms vibrate strongly enough to demobilize tiny magnetic zones called "domains" in the material. Heating steel to its Curie temperature must be done in a furnace placed on a strong, heatproof surface in a well-ventilated area. Place the steel item inside the furnace and set the Curie temperature. When the furnace reaches the set temperature, leave it there for at least five minutes, then turn the furnace off, and let it cool to room temperature.
References
- UCSB ScienceLine: How is it That a Magnetic Material Attaches to a Metal?
- Georgia State University: Ferromagnetism
- Kanatec: Demagnetizers
- Boston University: Ferromagnetism
- Exploratorium: Curie Point
- PhysLink.com: Do Magnets Ever Lose Their Magnetism?
- Montana State University: Hammer an Iron Bar
- Georgia State University: Magnetic Field of the Earth
Tips
- Read the demagnetizer’s instruction manual and note any specific recommendations as to operating time or the effective distance to hold magnetized items while demagnetizing them.
- The temperature of 770 degrees Celsius (1,417 degrees Fahrenheit) is the Curie Point of iron. At this temperature, the atoms in steel vibrate strongly enough to disorganize tiny magnetic zones called “domains” in the material.
Warnings
- Keep the demagnetizer well away from magnetic media such as floppy discs, hard drives, magnetic tape or credit cards; it could easily damage the information on these items.
- The demagnetizer may become warm after several consecutive uses. Note the manufacturer’s recommendations for “cool-down” periods to avoid damage to the device.
- Do not attempt to heat painted steel items or those with plastic handles, as the high temperature will melt plastic and may produce hazardous vapors.
About the Author
Claire is a writer and editor with 18 years' experience. She writes about science and health for a range of digital publications, including Reader's Digest, HealthCentral, Vice and Zocdoc.