Hangbo Alloy Group
Shanghai · Est. 2012
UNS N06600 / W.Nr. 2.4816 — Chemical composition, mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, carburization behavior, and applications in furnace, heat treatment, and nuclear equipment.
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600 / W.Nr. 2.4816) is a standard nickel-chromium-iron alloy that has been in commercial production since the 1930s. It is one of the oldest and most widely used nickel alloys, with a simple but effective composition of approximately 72% nickel, 14–17% chromium, and 6–10% iron. The alloy is a solid-solution strengthened material — it does not contain precipitation-hardening elements such as titanium, aluminum, or molybdenum — and derives its strength from the inherent work-hardening characteristics of its high-nickel FCC matrix and the solid-solution effect of chromium.
The primary advantage of Inconel 600 is its outstanding resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 1100°C (2012°F). The 15% chromium content promotes the formation of a dense, adherent chromium oxide scale that protects the underlying metal from further oxidation. The high nickel content provides resistance to corrosion by many organic and inorganic compounds, as well as resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. These attributes have made Inconel 600 the standard material for furnace components, heat treatment baskets, and nuclear reactor hardware for decades.
Inconel 600 has one of the simplest compositions among the nickel alloy family. The absence of molybdenum and precipitation-hardening elements makes it a relatively low-cost alloy with excellent fabricability and weldability. However, this simplicity also means that Inconel 600 does not have the localized corrosion resistance of molybdenum-bearing alloys or the high-temperature strength of precipitation-hardened superalloys.
| Element | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel + Cobalt (Ni+Co) | 72.0 | Balance |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0 | 17.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 6.0 | 10.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.50 |
| Carbon (C) | — | 0.15 |
| Copper (Cu) | — | 0.50 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.015 |
Inconel 600's physical properties are characteristic of a high-nickel austenitic alloy. The relatively low thermal conductivity and high coefficient of thermal expansion are typical of nickel alloys, and these properties must be considered during welding and thermal cycling applications to manage residual stresses and distortion.
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.47 | g/cm3 |
| Melting Range | 1354–1370 | °C |
| Specific Heat (21°C) | 450 | J/kg·K |
| Thermal Conductivity (21°C) | 12.2 | W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity (21°C) | 1.03 | μΩ·m |
| Modulus of Elasticity (21°C) | 205 | GPa |
| Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (21–93°C) | 13.3 | μm/m·°C |
| Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (21–538°C) | 15.4 | μm/m·°C |
| Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (21–800°C) | 16.4 | μm/m·°C |
| Curie Temperature | < -196 | °C |
Inconel 600 is a solid-solution alloy with moderate room-temperature strength. Its strength is comparable to that of austenitic stainless steels like 304 and 316, but it offers superior performance at elevated temperatures. The alloy's strength can be increased significantly by cold working, which is often applied to strip and wire products. The data below represents typical annealed properties.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 550 MPa (80 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 240 MPa (35 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm | 40% |
| Reduction of Area | 55% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 70–80 HRB |
| Impact Strength (Charpy V-notch, room temp) | 280 J |
While Inconel 600 is not a high-strength superalloy, it maintains useful mechanical properties at temperatures far beyond those where austenitic stainless steels lose their strength and oxidation resistance. The alloy's primary value at elevated temperatures lies in its combination of oxidation resistance and moderate strength, not in creep-rupture performance. For applications requiring high creep strength above 600°C, precipitation-hardened alloys such as Inconel 718 or Nimonic 90 are preferred.
| Temperature (°C) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 (Room) | 550 | 240 | 40 |
| 316 | 490 | 200 | 44 |
| 427 | 455 | 180 | 46 |
| 538 | 405 | 165 | 48 |
| 649 | 340 | 145 | 50 |
| 760 | 260 | 120 | 55 |
| 871 | 180 | 95 | 60 |
| 982 | 110 | 70 | 70 |
Inconel 600's corrosion resistance profile is distinct from that of molybdenum-bearing alloys. Its resistance is excellent in oxidizing conditions, good in many organic and inorganic media, and outstanding against chloride stress corrosion cracking. However, it has limited resistance to reducing acid environments and localized corrosion (pitting/crevice) compared to alloys like Inconel 625 or Hastelloy C-276.
Inconel 600 is widely used across multiple industries where its combination of oxidation resistance, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and fabricability provides a cost-effective solution:
Inconel 600 has excellent weldability using all standard arc welding processes. The alloy's high nickel content makes it resistant to hot cracking, and its simple composition means there are no precipitation-hardening phases to manage during welding. Key welding considerations include:
Hangbo Alloy Group manufactures and supplies Inconel 600 in the following product forms, conforming to ASTM, AMS, and ASME specifications:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B166 | Bar and Rod |
| ASTM B167 | Seamless Pipe and Tube |
| ASTM B163 | Seamless Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tube |
| ASTM B168 | Plate, Sheet, and Strip |
| ASTM B564 | Forgings |
| ASTM B366 | Fittings |
| AMS 5540 | Bar, Rod, and Wire |
| AMS 5541 | Sheet, Strip, and Plate |
| AWS A5.14 ERNiCr-3 | Welding Wire (Inconel 82) |
| ASME SB-166 | Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code |
Hangbo Alloy Group maintains extensive inventory of Inconel 600 in all standard product forms. We can provide mill test certificates, third-party inspection reports (SGS, TUV), and custom processing services including cutting, machining, and surface finishing.
For quotations, material certifications, or technical consultation, contact our sales team or call +86-136-1165-6360. We typically respond within 10 minutes.
Request a quotation for Inconel 600 round bars, tubes, plates, or forgings. We stock standard sizes and accept custom orders for furnace and nuclear applications.