The difference between Inconel 601 and 600 alloy sheets
Both Inconel 600 and 601 alloy plates are high-performance nickel alloys used in extreme high-temperature/corrosive environments. However, Inconel 601 thick plates (with added aluminum and a higher chromium content) offer superior oxidation resistance and thermal cycling performance, making them ideal for furnace manufacturing; while Inconel 600 exhibits excellent overall corrosion resistance, particularly against chloride stress corrosion cracking (SCC), making it a versatile and often more economical choice for chemical industry and marine applications. For high-temperature/strongly oxidizing environments, 601 plates should be chosen; for broader corrosion/stress corrosion cracking requirements where cost is a significant factor, 600 plates should be selected.
What temperatures can Inconel 600 alloy withstand?
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).
Inconel 601 sheet is a rolled sheet made from a nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum reinforced alloy (Inconel 601). Its core characteristic is its unparalleled resistance to oxidation, carburization, and high-temperature sulfidation at extreme temperatures up to approximately 1250°C, while maintaining good formability and weldability. It is specifically designed for demanding environments where sheet materials are exposed 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 key material for manufacturing ultra-high temperature components such as furnace linings, radiant tubes, and high-temperature fixtures.
Inconel 600 sheet is a rolled sheet material made from a high-performance nickel-chromium-iron alloy (Inconel 600), known for its excellent strength retention at high temperatures up to approximately 1150°C, and its superior resistance to oxidation and chloride stress corrosion cracking. It is specifically used in the manufacture of equipment linings, heat exchanger components, furnace structures, and reaction vessels that require resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosive environments. It is a critical basic material for demanding applications in chemical, nuclear power, heat treatment, and aerospace industries, offering performance far superior to ordinary stainless steel, but with correspondingly higher costs and processing difficulties.
Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 plate specifications
| Grade | Inconel 600 | UNS N06600, Inconel 601 | UNS N06601 |
| Standard | ASTM B168 / ASME SB168 |
| Thickness | 0.1mm To 12 mm |
| Size | 1000 mm x 2000 mm, 1220 mm x 2440 mm, 1500 mm x 3000 mm, 2000 mm x 2000 mm, 2000 mm x 4000 mm |
| Finish | Hot rolled plate (HR), Cold rolled sheet (CR), 2B, 2D, BA NO(8), SATIN (Met with Plastic Coated) |
| Form | Sheets, Plates, Coils, Slatting Coils, Perforated Coils, Foils, Rolls, Plain Sheet, Shim Sheet, Strip, Flats, Blank (Circle), Ring (Flange) |
| Hardness | Soft, Hard, Half Hard, Quarter Hard, Spring Hard etc. |
| Applications | Off-Shore Oil Drilling Companies, Power Generation, Petrochemicals, Gas Processing, Specialty Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Equipment, Chemical Equipment, Sea Water Equipment, Heat Exchangers, Condensers, Pulp and Paper Industry |
Equivalent grades for Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 plates
| STANDARD | WERKSTOFF NR. | UNS | JIS | BS | GOST | AFNOR | EN |
| Inconel 600 | 2.4816 | N06600 | NCF 600 | NA 13 | МНЖМц 28-2,5-1,5 | NC15FE11M | NiCr15Fe |
| Inconel 601 | 2.4851 | N06601 | NCF 601 | NA 49 | XH60BT | NC23FeA | NiCr23Fe |
Chemical Composition of Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 Plates
| Grade | C | Mn | Si | S | Cu | Fe | Ni | Cr |
| Inconel 600 | 0.15 max | 1.00 max | 0.50 max | 0.015max | 0.50 max | 6.00 – 10.00 | 72.00 min | 14.00 – 17.00 |
| Inconel 601 | 0.10 max | 1.00 max | 0.50 max | 0.015max | 1.00 max | Balance | 58.0 – 63.0 | 21.0 – 25.0 |
Mechanical Properties of Inconel 600/601 Alloy Sheets:
| Mechanical properties | Tensile, min, ksi[MPa] | Yield, min, ksi[MPa] | Elongation, %(min) |
| Inconel 600 | 80[550] | 35[240] | 30 |
| Inconel 601 | 80[552] | 30[205] | 30 |
Applications
The choice between Inconel 601 and 600 plates typically depends on the specific application requirements. Inconel 601 alloy plates are widely used in industries such as aerospace, heat treatment, petrochemicals, and power generation, where high-temperature resistance and oxidation resistance are crucial. Its excellent creep resistance makes it suitable for components in furnaces, heat exchangers, and combustion chambers.
On the other hand, Inconel 600 plates are commonly used in applications such as chemical processing, furnace components, and pollution control systems. Its versatility, coupled with good weldability and formability, makes it a preferred material for numerous commercial applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing: When selecting between Inconel 601 and 600 plates, the following factors should be considered:
Operating Conditions: Consider the temperature, stress, and chemical environment to which the material will be exposed. Inconel 601 plates are more suitable for high-temperature and corrosive environments compared to Inconel 600 plates.
Cost: Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each option based on your budget and performance requirements. While Inconel 601 plates may offer superior performance, they are typically more expensive than Inconel 600 alloy plates.
Application Requirements: Assess the specific needs of your application, including mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability. Choose an alloy that meets these standards to ensure optimal performance and service life.
Availability and Delivery Time: Confirm the availability of the chosen alloy with your supplier or Inconel 601 plate manufacturer and ensure it is available in the required form (plates, coils, etc.). Consider factors such as delivery time, transportation logistics, and the location of the Inconel 600 plate supplier to avoid project delays.
Long-Term Performance: Consider the expected service life and maintenance requirements of components made from Inconel 601 or 600 plates. Consider factors such as durability, fatigue resistance, and ease of repair or replacement.
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 is a supplier of inconel 601 alloy, offering a wide range of products including: seamless pipe (sizes: 4-219 mm; thickness: 0.5-20 mm); welded pipe (sizes: 5.0-1219.2 mm; thickness: 0.5-20 mm); plates (thickness: 0.1 to 100 mm; width: 10-2500 mm); strips; alloy round bars (diameter: 3-800 mm); flat bars (thickness: 2-100 mm; width: 10-500 mm); hexagonal bars (size: 2-100 mm); wire rods; and extruded profiles. We collaborate with steel mills to provide our customers with inconel 601 alloy products that meet or exceed numerous leading industry standards, including ASTM, ASME, SAE, AMS, ISO, DIN, EN, and BS standards.
Gnee Steel stocks and sells inconel 601, pipes, plates, strips, round bars, flat bars, forged billets, hexagonal steel, wire rods, and extruded profiles. Please feel free to contact us at ss@gneesteel.com for a quote.
