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I'm assuming that you are talking about Direct Read Ferrography or Analytical Ferrography? In either case, strong magnets are used to "lay down" or isolate ferrous material to yield either a numerical WPC or make a slide to judge wear particles under the microscope.

I am aware that there are some magnetic stainless steel alloys. However, I suspect you would not see these materials used in most equipment.

Depending on the concentration, size, shape, and preparation of your sample, your could very well "see" stainless steel particles using analytical ferrography. Aluminum, lead, tin, molybdenum disulfide, fibers, dirt, and other non-ferrous materials do show up on the slide.

Long story short: it is possible to see wear and corrosion products of stainless steel using analytical ferrography (microscopic evaluation).

My opinion: Direct read ferrography would not provide confident results of the non-ferrous materials. I have seen where other trash gets dammed-up in the sensor region that is not ferrous, which can lead to a high WPC number in the absense of numerous ferrous particles.

Good luck.
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