Inconel 600 nickel alloy | High-temperature superalloy
Inconel 600 nickel alloy | High-temperature superalloy
Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium-iron-based solid-solution strengthened high-temperature superalloy, whose core advantages lie in its exceptional high-temperature oxidation resistance (up to approximately 1150°C), excellent resistance to chloride ion stress corrosion cracking, and outstanding stability in alkaline and high-temperature pure water environments. It is a fundamental and critical material for addressing demanding conditions involving both extreme temperatures and strong corrosion, and is widely used in high-performance industrial fields such as heat treatment, chemical processing, nuclear energy, and aerospace.
What is the temperature range for Alloy 600?
1600 – 2250°F
The hot working temperature range for Inconel® 600 alloy is 1600 – 2250°F (870 – 1230°C). Heavy working requires temperatures in the range of 1900 – 2250°F (1040 – 1230°C), while light working can be performed at temperatures as low as 1600°F (870°C).
What is Inconel 600?
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) is a versatile nickel-chromium-iron alloy suitable for a wide range of temperatures-from cryogenic environments to high temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C).
It possesses excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance, making it a preferred material in demanding chemical and thermal environments.
Its high nickel content provides superior resistance to chloride ion stress corrosion cracking and effectively resists corrosion from a variety of organic and inorganic compounds.
The chromium content enhances the alloy's corrosion resistance in oxidizing environments such as high temperatures and corrosive media, and helps resist attack from sulfur-containing compounds.
In high-temperature applications, Inconel 600 alloy maintains structural integrity at temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C) and exhibits good oxidation and scaling resistance.
It performs particularly well in carburizing environments or moderate-temperature sulfur-containing environments.
However, under more severe high-temperature conditions, it may be susceptible to sulfidation.
This alloy is non-magnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but it can be strengthened by cold working.
Inconel 600 alloy is easily welded and suitable for conventional fabrication methods.
Chemical Composition of Inconel 600
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) is a solid-solution strengthened nickel-chromium-iron alloy designed to provide excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of corrosive environments and at high temperatures.
Its carefully balanced chemical composition provides a strong foundation for its mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance.
Nominal Chemical Composition (% by Weight)
| Element | Content (%wt) | Function / Role |
| Nickel (Ni) | 72.0 min | Provides primary corrosion resistance, ductility, and thermal stability. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0 – 17.0 | Enhances resistance to oxidizing agents and high-temperature scaling. |
| Iron (Fe) | 6.0 – 10.0 | Balances cost and mechanical properties; enhances strength. |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 | Improves hot working and deoxidation during melting. |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.5 | Aids corrosion resistance in certain reducing acids. |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.5 | Deoxidizer; enhances oxidation resistance but kept low to avoid brittleness. |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 | Strengthens alloy through solid solution hardening but limited to minimize embrittlement. |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 | Impurity; controlled to enhance hot workability and weldability. |
Key Material Properties of Inconel 600
| Property | Typical Value (at Room Temp) |
| Tensile Strength | 655 MPa (95,000 psi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 310 MPa (45,000 psi) |
| Elongation (% in 50 mm) | ≥ 30% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 85–90 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~207 GPa (30 x 10³ ksi) |
| Impact Toughness (Charpy V-Notch, 20°C) | > 100 J (typical) |
Corrosion Resistance
Due to its high nickel and chromium content, Inconel 600 alloy is resistant to a wide range of corrosive environments:
Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) Resistance: Virtually immune to corrosion even in high-temperature, high-concentration chloride solutions.
Oxidation Resistance: Effective resistance to temperatures up to 1093°C (2000°F) in air and combustion atmospheres.
Carburization Resistance: Maintains integrity in carbon-rich industrial environments.
Acid and Alkali Resistance: Remains stable in many acidic and alkaline environments (e.g., nitric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide).
Marine Environment Performance: Exhibits good corrosion resistance to seawater and brine, but is not completely immune to crevice corrosion under stagnant conditions.
Physical Properties of Inconel Alloy 600
| Property | Typical Value |
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ (0.306 lb/in³) |
| Melting Range | 1354 – 1413°C (2470 – 2575°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 14.8 W/m·K at 100°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 0.444 J/g·K at 25°C |
| Electrical Resistivity | 103.4 µΩ·cm at 20°C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 13.3 µm/m·°C (20–1000°C) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 207 GPa (30 × 10³ ksi) |
| Magnetic Permeability (μ) | ~1.0006 (non-magnetic) |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.30 |
| Sound Velocity (longitudinal) | ~5,050 m/s (in solid) |
High-Temperature Properties of Inconel Alloy 600
Oxidation Resistance:
Exhibits excellent resistance to oxidation and scaling at temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C), maintaining surface integrity and mechanical properties.
Carburization Resistance:
Performs well in carburizing environments, limiting carbon absorption and maintaining structural stability.
Sulfidation Resistance:
Offers moderate resistance to sulfidation at high temperatures, but performance may degrade in high-sulfur environments above a certain temperature threshold.
Thermal Stability:
Maintains mechanical strength and toughness even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and thermal cycling.
Structural Integrity:
Resists grain growth and maintains microstructural stability, preventing embrittlement or deformation during use.
Limitations:
Its performance may degrade in environments combining extreme high temperatures with highly corrosive chemicals (e.g., high sulfur content), thus requiring the use of other alloys under these conditions.
Applications of Inconel 600
| Industry | Typical Components | Key Advantages |
| Oil & Gas | Valves, downhole tools, flanges | Corrosion resistance, high strength |
| Power Generation | Steam generators, superheaters, turbines | High-temp oxidation resistance, thermal stability |
| Chemical Processing | Heat exchangers, pressure vessels | Resistance to acids and organic chemicals |
| Aerospace | Combustion chambers, seals, fasteners | High temp strength, cyclic thermal resistance |
| Marine | Pumps, valves, subsea connectors | Chloride corrosion resistance, seawater durability |
| Cryogenic & Food | Storage vessels, processing equipment | Toughness, corrosion resistance |
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!
