Inconel 601 VS Inconel 718 Alloy

Inconel 601 excels in extremely high temperatures and oxidation resistance (suitable for furnace components and thermal systems), while Inconel 718 offers superior strength and creep resistance up to approximately 650°C. Due to its precipitation hardening characteristics, it is ideal for high-stress aerospace and oil/gas components (turbines, downhole tools). Choose 601 if you only require pure heat/corrosion resistance (e.g., furnace equipment); however, if high mechanical strength is needed in high-temperature, corrosive, or load-bearing applications, then 718 should be selected.

Does Inconel 718 undergo work hardening?

Due to its high toughness, low thermal conductivity, and susceptibility to work hardening, Inconel 718 is one of the most difficult materials to machine. Furthermore, as a material prone to work hardening, Inconel 718 undergoes multiple plastic deformations during machining.

Inconel 601 and Inconel 718 are both nickel-based high-temperature alloys, possessing excellent high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, and are widely used in high-end manufacturing fields such as aerospace, chemical industry, and energy. However, there are significant differences between the two in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, high-temperature stability, and applicable scenarios. Gnee Steel has over 18 years of export experience. Contact us for more information and a free quote!

inconel n06601 and inconel n07718 Chemical composition

Element	Inconel 601 (Mass Fraction, %)	Inconel 718 (Mass Fraction, %)
Nickel (Ni)	58.0-63.0	50.0-55.0
Chromium (Cr)	21.0-25.0	17.0-21.0
Iron (Fe)	Balance	Balance
Aluminum (Al)	1.0-1.7	0.20-0.80
Titanium (Ti)	0.20-0.60	0.65-1.15
Molybdenum (Mo)	≤0.50	2.80-3.30
Niobium (Nb) + Tantalum (Ta)	-	5.00-5.50
Carbon (C)	≤0.15	≤0.08

alloy 601 and alloy 718 Mechnical properties

Performance Indicator	Test Temperature	Inconel 601	Inconel 718
Tensile Strength (MPa)	Room Temperature	≥550	≥965
Yield Strength (MPa)	Room Temperature	≥240	≥550
Elongation (%)	Room Temperature	≥30	≥15
Tensile Strength (MPa)	650℃	≥380	≥895
Yield Strength (MPa)	650℃	≥180	≥510

High-Temperature Performance of Inconel 601 and Inconel 718
Inconel 601: Long-term operating temperature can reach 1100℃, with a short-term maximum temperature of 1250℃. It exhibits excellent oxidation resistance and creep resistance at high temperatures, primarily relying on the dense oxide film formed by chromium to resist high-temperature oxidation.

Inconel 718: The upper limit for long-term operating temperature is 650℃, with a short-term maximum temperature of 800℃. Above 650℃, its precipitation strengthening phase (γ'' phase) decomposes, leading to a significant decrease in mechanical properties. However, below 650℃, its high-temperature creep strength and fatigue strength are superior to Inconel 601.

Corrosion Resistance of Inconel 601 and Inconel 718
Inconel 601: Its high chromium content gives it excellent oxidation resistance and resistance to gaseous corrosion. It can withstand oxidizing acids (such as nitric acid) and high-temperature sulfide environments, making it suitable for high-temperature corrosive conditions in the chemical industry; however, its corrosion resistance in reducing acids (such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid) is weaker.

Inconel 718: Containing molybdenum and niobium elements, in addition to certain oxidation resistance, it has better corrosion resistance to reducing acids, seawater, and salt spray environments, and has good resistance to stress corrosion cracking, making it suitable for complex corrosive scenarios such as marine engineering and oil and gas extraction.

Processing Performance Comparison
Inconel 601: It has good processing performance and can be processed using conventional methods, such as hot rolling, cold rolling, forging, and welding. Arc welding and TIG welding can be used for welding, and good performance can be maintained without complex post-treatment after welding.

Inconel 718: It is difficult to process and is a typical difficult-to-machine material. It has a very strong work hardening tendency. Hot cracking is prone to occur during welding, requiring strict control of welding process parameters. Solution treatment and aging treatment are required after welding to restore material properties. Forging must be carried out in the high-temperature range of 1000-1120℃ to ensure that the material obtains sufficient plastic deformation.

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

About Gnee Steel

Gnee Steel is a professional manufacturer of nickel-based alloys, including Nickel 201, Nickel 202, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy C-22, Hastelloy B, Hastelloy C-4, Inconel 600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Inconel X-750, Incoloy 800, Incoloy 800H/HT, Incoloy 825, Monel 400, Monel K500, and other high-temperature alloy materials. We specialize in the production and sales of alloy materials. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in aerospace, chemical, power generation, automotive, nuclear energy, and other fields, and we can provide customized alloy material solutions according to customer needs. For inquiries about alloy material prices or customized alloy material solutions, please feel free to contact us via email at ss@gneemetal.com for a quote.

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