Inconel 600丨UNS N06600
Inconel 600, known as UNS N06600, is a nickel-chromium alloy with good oxidation resistance at high temperatures and resistance to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking, corrosion by high-purity water, and caustic corrosion. Service temperatures for alloy 600 can be from cryogenic to 2000°F (1093℃). This alloy has good workability, weldability, and high strength.
Quick Answer: Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) is a solid-solution nickel-chromium alloy used for furnace hardware, chemical equipment, heat-treatment fixtures and specification-controlled nuclear components. Select it when fabrication, oxidation resistance and chloride-ion stress-corrosion resistance are important; compare Inconel 601 for stronger thermal-cycling and carburization performance and Alloy 690 for higher-chromium service.
Inconel 600 Supplier & Manufacturer
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600, W.Nr. 2.4816) is a nickel-chromium alloy with excellent resistance to oxidation, corrosion and high-temperature environments. Unlike precipitation-hardened alloys, Inconel 600 derives its strength primarily from solid-solution strengthening, providing excellent stability over a broad temperature range.
The alloy exhibits exceptional resistance to chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking, dry chlorine gas, oxidizing atmospheres and carburizing conditions. These characteristics make it one of the most widely used nickel alloys for furnace components, chemical processing equipment, nuclear engineering and heat treatment systems.
J&A Alloy supplies Inconel 600 in various forms including pipe, tube, plate, sheet, bar, wire, forgings and custom-machined components.
Key Features of Inconel 600
Excellent Oxidation Resistance
Performs exceptionally well in oxidizing atmospheres up to approximately 1175°C.
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
Highly resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking and many organic and inorganic compounds.
Superior Carburization Resistance
Ideal for furnace hardware and heat treatment equipment.
Good Mechanical Strength
Maintains stable mechanical properties across a wide temperature range.
Excellent Weldability
Can be readily fabricated and welded using conventional nickel alloy methods.
Long Service Life
Offers excellent durability in severe industrial environments.
Chemical Composition of Inconel 600
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | ≥ 72.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0 – 17.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 6.0 – 10.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.50 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.50 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
Mechanical Properties of Inconel 600
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 550 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 240 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 30% |
| Hardness | ≤ 95 HRB |
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1354 – 1413°C |
Corrosion Resistance
Inconel 600 provides excellent resistance to:
- Chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking
- Dry chlorine and hydrogen chloride
- Oxidizing acids
- Organic acids
- Alkaline solutions
- High-purity water systems
- Steam environments
Its balanced nickel and chromium composition offers excellent performance under both oxidizing and reducing conditions.
High Temperature Performance
Inconel 600 maintains excellent oxidation resistance and structural stability at elevated temperatures.
Typical Service Characteristics
- Continuous oxidation resistance up to 1175°C
- Excellent carburization resistance
- Good nitriding resistance
- Outstanding thermal fatigue resistance
- Stable microstructure during long-term exposure
Inconel 600 Temperature and Atmosphere Selection Guide
Temperature capability cannot be reduced to one maximum number. Component stress, exposure time, thermal cycling and furnace atmosphere determine whether Alloy 600 remains suitable or another nickel alloy should be reviewed.
| Service condition | Initial selection | Engineering / RFQ note |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidizing furnace atmosphere | Inconel 600 is commonly considered | Confirm peak and continuous temperature, exposure time and section thickness. |
| Repeated thermal cycling | Compare Inconel 601 | Provide heating/cooling cycle, atmosphere and expected service life. |
| Carburizing or carbon-bearing atmosphere | Use conditionally | Compare 601 or a higher-aluminum alloy when carburization controls life. |
| Aqueous chloride service | Review concentration and temperature | Do not infer pitting or crevice resistance from SCC resistance alone. |
| Nuclear or code-controlled component | Specification governs | Confirm exact alloy, product form, standard, heat treatment and inspection scope. |
Available Forms
J&A Alloy supplies Inconel 600 in:
- Pipe
- Tube
- Plate
- Sheet
- Coil
- Strip
- Round Bar
- Rod
- Wire
- Flanges
- Fittings
- Forgings
Custom sizes are available upon request.
Inconel 600 Product Forms and ASTM/ASME Standards
| Product form | Common starting standard | RFQ information |
|---|---|---|
| Bar, rod and wire | ASTM B166 / ASME SB-166 | Diameter, length, condition, tolerance and mechanical requirements. |
| Plate, sheet and strip | ASTM B168 / ASME SB-168 | Thickness, width, length, surface, flatness and cutting. |
| Seamless condenser and heat-exchanger tube | ASTM B163 / ASME SB-163 | OD, wall, length, tube condition and testing. |
| Seamless pipe and tube | ASTM B167 / ASME SB-167 | Pipe/tube designation, OD or NPS, wall/schedule and length. |
| Welded pipe and tube | ASTM B517 / B516 | Construction route, dimensions, weld testing and project code. |
| Forgings, flanges and fittings | ASTM B564 / ASME SB-564 | Drawing, class/rating, machining allowance and inspection. |
Applications of Inconel 600
Chemical Processing
- Heat exchangers
- Reaction vessels
- Process piping
Furnace Industry
- Retorts
- Roller hearths
- Mufflers
- Radiant tubes
Nuclear Industry
- Reactor components
- Steam generator tubing
Aerospace
- Engine seals
- High-temperature fixtures
Heat Treatment Equipment
- Baskets
- Fixtures
- Conveyor systems
Inconel 600 vs Inconel 625
| Property | Inconel 600 | Inconel 625 |
|---|---|---|
| UNS Number | N06600 | N06625 |
| W.Nr. | 2.4816 | 2.4856 |
| Primary Alloying Elements | Ni-Cr | Ni-Cr-Mo-Nb |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 550 MPa | ≥ 827 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 240 MPa | ≥ 414 MPa |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior |
| Chloride SCC Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Pitting & Crevice Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| High Temperature Strength | Good | Excellent |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Main Applications | Furnaces, Heat Treatment, Nuclear | Marine, Chemical Processing, Offshore |
| Relative Cost | Lower | Higher |
Choose Inconel 600 for:
- Furnace equipment
- Heat treatment applications
- Chloride SCC resistance
- Cost-effective high-temperature service
Choose Inconel 625 for:
- Severe corrosion environments
- Marine applications
- Offshore equipment
- Higher mechanical strength
Inconel 600 vs 601 vs 690
| Alloy | Primary selection strength | Typical decision signal |
|---|---|---|
| Inconel 600 / N06600 | General oxidation resistance, fabrication and chloride-ion SCC resistance | Chemical equipment, furnace fixtures and established specifications. |
| Inconel 601 / N06601 | Aluminum-assisted oxidation, thermal-cycling and carburization resistance | Cycling furnace and hot-atmosphere comparison. |
| Inconel 690 / N06690 | Higher chromium and strong resistance in selected oxidizing/high-temperature environments | Selected nuclear, steam-generator and high-chromium requirements. |
Welding & Fabrication
Inconel 600 has excellent fabrication characteristics.
Suitable Welding Methods
- GTAW (TIG)
- GMAW (MIG)
- SMAW
Fabrication Notes
- Excellent hot and cold workability
- No post-weld heat treatment generally required
- Compatible with ERNiCr-3 filler metal
Inconel 600 Welding Consumables and Fabrication Controls
ERNiCr-3 wire and ENiCrFe-3 covered electrodes are common starting consumables for matching Alloy 600 fabrication, subject to the qualified WPS/PQR and service requirements. Remove sulfur-, lead-, zinc- and carbon-bearing contamination before welding; control heat input and interpass temperature; and select dissimilar-metal filler from dilution, corrosion, temperature and construction-code requirements rather than alloy name alone.
For fabricated pipe, tube, plate or furnace components, send the welding process, joint type, service atmosphere, design temperature and applicable code with the RFQ.
Standards & Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| UNS | N06600 |
| Werkstoff (W.Nr.) | 2.4816 |
| ASTM | B166 (Bar & Rod) |
| ASTM | B167 (Pipe & Tube) |
| ASTM | B168 (Plate, Sheet & Strip) |
| ASTM | B516 (Seamless Tube) |
| ASME | SB166 |
| ASME | SB167 |
| ASME | SB168 |
| ISO | 6208 |
| DIN | NiCr15Fe |
| Common Trade Name | Inconel 600 / Alloy 600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Inconel 600 used for?
Inconel 600 is widely used in chemical processing, furnace components, nuclear engineering, and heat treatment equipment.
What is the difference between Inconel 600 and Inconel 625?
Inconel 625 contains molybdenum and niobium, providing higher strength and superior corrosion resistance.
Is Inconel 600 resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking?
Yes. One of its primary advantages is excellent resistance to chloride SCC.
Can Inconel 600 be welded?
Yes. Inconel 600 has excellent weldability using standard nickel alloy procedures.
What temperature can Inconel 600 withstand?
The alloy provides oxidation resistance up to approximately 1175°C.
Is Inconel 600 magnetic?
No. Inconel 600 is generally considered non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
Why Choose J&A Alloy
✔ ASTM / ASME certified materials
✔ Full PMI and inspection reports
✔ Global export experience
✔ OEM machining support
✔ Competitive factory pricing
✔ Fast delivery
✔ Complete traceability documentation
J&A Alloy supplies premium quality Inconel 600 products for the world’s most demanding industrial applications.
