Both Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 alloy tubes are nickel-chromium alloys used in high-temperature environments, but Inconel 601 contains added aluminum, resulting in superior high-temperature oxidation/scaling resistance (suitable for furnaces, heat exchangers, etc.), while Inconel 600 tubes excel in chloride stress corrosion cracking resistance (suitable for chemical processing and marine environments). The main difference lies in the presence of aluminum in the 601 alloy, which improves heat resistance, while the 600 alloy offers better overall corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance under specific conditions. Due to its superior performance, Inconel 601 tubing is typically slightly more expensive than Inconel 600 alloy tubing.
Is Inconel 601 magnetic?
Inconel 601 is a nickel-based, non-magnetic high-temperature alloy composed of nickel, chromium, and iron. It possesses unique properties, such as high resistance to heat, oxidation, corrosion (from organic and inorganic compounds), and alkaline solutions (making it virtually immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking), among others.
Inconel 600 tubing is a pipe material made from a high-performance nickel-chromium-iron alloy (Inconel 600), specifically designed for transporting fluids in extreme high-temperature environments up to approximately 1150°C and in highly corrosive media (such as chlorides, caustic alkalis, and various acids and bases). Its core advantages lie in its excellent high-temperature strength retention, superior oxidation resistance, and resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking. It is primarily used in critical applications such as steam generator heat exchanger tubes in nuclear power plants, petrochemical cracking furnace tubes, radiant tubes in heat treatment equipment, and pipelines in demanding chemical processes. It is a top-tier, reliable piping solution for severe conditions where stainless steel is inadequate, but at a significantly higher cost.
Inconel 601 tubing is a special pipe material made from a nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum reinforced alloy. Its core characteristic is its unparalleled resistance to oxidation, carburization, and high-temperature sulfidation at extreme temperatures up to approximately 1250°C, while maintaining excellent thermal shock and creep resistance. It is designed for demanding environments requiring long-term exposure to severe oxidizing-reducing atmospheres and thermal cycling, such as high-temperature heat treatment furnaces, industrial combustion systems, petrochemical cracking units, and aerospace hot-end components. It is a top-tier piping choice for addressing ultra-high temperature corrosion and thermal fatigue problems.
Inconel 600 / 601 Pipes Specifications :
| Dimensions : ASTM, ASME and API |
| Inconel 600/ 601 Seamless Pipes and Tubes : ASTM B167, ASTM B163, ASTM B444, ASTM B751 |
| Inconel 600/ 601 Welded Pipes and Tubes : ASTM B517, ASTM B516, ASTM B167, ASTM B704, ASTM B705 |
| Grade : Inconel 600 – UNS N06600, Inconel 601 – UNS N06601 |
| Size : 15″NB TO 150″NB IN |
| Schedule : SCH20, SCH30, SCH40, STD, SCH80, XS, SCH60, SCH80, SCH120, SCH140, SCH160, XXS |
| Type : Seamless / ERW / Welded / Fabricated / CDW |
| Length : Single Random, Double Random & Required Length |
| Form : Round Pipes/Tubes, Square Pipes/Tubes, Rectangular Pipe/Tubes, Coiled Tubes, Hydraulic Tubes |
Inconel 600/601 Tubes Specifications
| STANDARD | UNS | WERKSTOFF NR. | BS | JIS | AFNOR | GOST | EN |
| Inconel 600 | N06600 | 2.4816 | NA 13 | NCF 600 | NC15FE11M | МНЖМц 28-2,5-1,5 | NiCr15Fe |
| Inconel 601 | N06601 | 2.4851 | NA 49 | NCF 601 | NC23FeA | XH60BT | NiCr23Fe |
Inconel 600/601 Pipes Chemical Composition
| Grade | Fe | Mn | Cu | C | Cr | Si | S | Ni | Al |
| Inconel 600 | 6.0 – 10.0 | 1.00 max | 0.50 max | 0.15 max | 14.0 – 17.0 | 0.50 max | 0.015 max | 72.0 min | – |
| Inconel 601 | 14 | 1.0 max | 1.0 max | 0.05 max | 21.0 – 25.0 | 0.50 max | 0.015 max | 61.5 min | 1.0 – 1.7 |
Difference Between Inconel 600 Pipes vs Inconel 601 Pipes
Temperature Resistance:
One of the most important considerations when choosing between Inconel 600 tubing and Inconel 601 alloy tubing is their temperature resistance. Inconel 600 tubing has a maximum operating temperature of 1150°C (2102°F), making it suitable for applications requiring high strength at elevated temperatures and excellent resistance to oxidation and carburization. In contrast, Inconel 601 tubing has a maximum operating temperature of 1200°C (2192°F), making it more suitable for applications requiring high temperature and corrosion resistance in sulfur-containing environments.
Corrosion Resistance:
Both Inconel 600 tubing and Inconel 601 seamless tubing exhibit excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of environments. However, due to their differing chemical compositions, their resistance to specific types of corrosion may vary. Inconel 600 alloy tubing is resistant to sulfuric and hydrochloric acid corrosion, but may be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in chloride environments. On the other hand, Inconel 601 tubing is more resistant to stress corrosion cracking. It exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in sulfur-containing environments, making it an ideal choice for applications in the chemical processing industry.
Welding and Machining:
Both Inconel 600 tubing and Inconel 601 tubing are easily welded and machined. However, due to its lower nickel content, Inconel 601 round tubing may be easier to form and machine. Additionally, the higher oxidation resistance of Inconel 601 square tubing may require less post-weld heat treatment, making it more cost-effective than Inconel 600 rectangular tubing.
Why Choose Gnee as Your Nickel-Based Alloy Supplier
✅ Over 18 years of export experience, products sold to more than 80 countries
✅ Certified by ISO, SGS, and BV
✅ Global inventory of Inconel, Hastelloy, Incoloy, and Monel alloy tubing, plates, and bars
✅ Custom processing services available – including cutting, polishing, CNC machining, and packaging
✅ Fast delivery within 7-15 days, supported by global logistics partners
📦 Packaging and Shipping
All stainless steel products are packaged using the following methods:
Wooden pallets or crates
Moisture-proof packaging
Labels with furnace number, standard, and size labels
Shipped worldwide by sea, air, or express
Gnee Steel also supplies custom Inconel 600 products in various sizes and specifications. Please send us your drawings for a quote!
