What's the difference between Inconel 600 and Stainless Steel 310?

Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium alloy with excellent strength, high-temperature performance, and extremely strong corrosion resistance; while 310 stainless steel is an iron-based alloy, more affordable, and easier to process. The main difference between the two lies in their application areas: Inconel 600 is suitable for high-stress, high-temperature, and highly corrosive environments, while 310 stainless steel is suitable for low-corrosion, high-temperature applications.

What are the differences between Inconel 600 and SS 310?

SS 310 is more common than Inconel 600 due to its lower price. Inconel 600 is typically used in high-temperature applications such as aircraft engines and industrial furnaces. In contrast, SS 310, due to its corrosion resistance, is often used in food processing and medical equipment.

Differences between Inconel 600 and Stainless Steel 310

inconel 600 vs stainless steel 310 Chemical Composition Comparison

Element	Inconel 600 (UNS N06600)	Stainless Steel 310 (UNS S31000)	Key Comparison & Implication
Nickel (Ni)	72.0% min	19.0 - 22.0%	This is the most significant difference. Inconel 600's high nickel content provides fundamental resistance to reducing acids, chloride stress corrosion cracking, and gives it superior high-temperature strength and stability.
Chromium (Cr)	14.0 - 17.0%	24.0 - 26.0%	SS 310 has a higher chromium content, which gives it excellent resistance to oxidation, sulfidation, and other forms of hot corrosion.
Iron (Fe)	6.0 - 10.0%	Balance (~50%)	Inconel 600 is a nickel-based alloy where iron is a minor addition. SS 310 is an iron-based alloy (stainless steel) where iron is the primary constituent.
Manganese (Mn)	1.0% max	2.0% max	Levels are similar and typically low. Manganese is generally added for sulfur control and hot workability.
Carbon (C)	0.15% max	0.25% max	SS 310 can typically tolerate a higher carbon content, which can enhance high-temperature strength but may reduce corrosion resistance in welded areas.
Silicon (Si)	0.5% max	1.5% max	SS 310 often has a higher allowable silicon content, which can further improve its oxidation resistance.
Copper (Cu)	0.5% max	-	A minor element in Inconel 600, typically kept low.
Sulfur (S)	0.015% max	0.030% max	A low-level impurity in both, kept to a minimum to ensure good hot workability.

inconel 600 vs stainless steel 310 strength

Property	Inconel 600 (Typical)	Stainless Steel 310 (Typical)	Key Comparison & Implication
Tensile Strength	550 - 800 MPa (80 - 116 ksi)	515 - 620 MPa (75 - 90 ksi)	Inconel 600 generally offers higher ultimate tensile strength, especially in the annealed condition. This indicates a greater load-bearing capacity before fracture.
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)	240 - 460 MPa (35 - 67 ksi)	205 - 310 MPa (30 - 45 ksi)	Inconel 600 typically has a higher yield strength. This means it can withstand greater stress before permanent deformation begins.
Elongation (% in 2")	30% - 55%	30% - 45%	Both alloys exhibit excellent ductility. Inconel 600 often has a slight edge, indicating better formability and toughness.
Hardness (Brinell)	150 - 220 HB	150 - 210 HB	Hardness values are very similar in the annealed state. Both are relatively soft and formable after proper annealing.
Creep Rupture Strength	Excellent	Good	This is a key differentiator. Inconel 600 has superior resistance to deformation under constant load at high temperatures (e.g., above 650°C / 1200°F) due to its nickel-chromium matrix.
High-Temperature Yield Strength (at 815°C / 1500°F)	~ 110 MPa (~16 ksi)	~ 35 MPa (~5 ksi)	Inconel 600 significantly outperforms SS 310 at very high temperatures. Its strength retention is far superior, making it the preferred choice for extreme thermal conditions.

Composition and Properties

Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium alloy with extremely high corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. It can withstand high temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C). This alloy maintains its strength even at extreme temperatures, making it ideal for aerospace and marine applications. Compared to Inconel 600, stainless steel 310 contains more chromium and nickel, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications. It also has good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 2100°F (1100°C).

Mechanical Properties

Inconel 600 has excellent mechanical properties, including high-temperature strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking. It also has high resistance to thermal fatigue, making it ideal for heat exchangers, furnaces, and other high-temperature applications. On the other hand, stainless steel 310 exhibits excellent toughness and strength at high temperatures. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high strength and resistance to thermal shock.

Corrosion Resistance

Inconel 600 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to a variety of acids, alkalis, and other corrosive media. It possesses extremely strong resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, making it suitable for marine environments. Stainless steel 310 also exhibits good corrosion resistance, especially in acidic environments. It can withstand corrosion from sulfuric acid and other strong acids, making it ideal for the chemical and petrochemical industries.

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