Inconel 601 is a nickel-chromium alloy with added aluminum, giving it excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures. It is widely used in furnaces, heat-treatment equipment, and thermal-processing systems.
Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium alloy with good corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and resistance to chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking. It is commonly used in chemical processing, heaters, and nuclear equipment.
A nickel-chromium-iron alloy with aluminum addition, offering excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, good carburization resistance and strong thermal stability for furnaces, heat-treatment equipment and petrochemical applications.
View Inconel 601A versatile nickel-chromium-iron alloy combining good high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance and resistance to many corrosive media, widely used in chemical processing, furnace components, heat exchangers and nuclear equipment.
View Inconel 600Review the key differences before confirming chemical media, product form, standard, certificate and delivery schedule.
| Comparison Item | Inconel 601 | Inconel 600 | Selection Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Information | |||
| UNS Number | N06601 | N06600 | Use the UNS number on drawings, MTCs and purchase specifications. |
| Alloy Type | Nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum alloy | Nickel-chromium-iron alloy | 601 is optimized for high-temperature oxidation resistance, while 600 is a versatile heat- and corrosion-resistant alloy. |
| Strengthening Method | Solid-solution strengthened | Solid-solution strengthened | Neither alloy normally requires precipitation-hardening heat treatment. |
| Typical Product Forms | Plate, sheet, strip, bar, wire, pipe, tube and forgings | Plate, sheet, strip, bar, wire, pipe, tube and fittings | Availability depends on product form, size, specification, quantity and delivery schedule. |
| Chemical Composition | |||
| Nickel (Ni) | 58.0–63.0% | 72.0% min | 600 contains more nickel, supporting resistance to many reducing environments and chloride stress-corrosion cracking. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 21.0–25.0% | 14.0–17.0% | The higher chromium content of 601 improves high-temperature oxidation resistance. |
| Aluminum (Al) | 1.0–1.7% | Not intentionally added | Aluminum allows 601 to form a tightly adherent protective oxide scale. |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | 6.0–10.0% | 601 contains more iron, while 600 has a higher nickel base. |
| Carbon (C) | 0.10% max | 0.15% max | Final composition limits should follow the applicable product specification. |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0% max | 1.0% max | Manganese is controlled as a minor alloying and processing element. |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50% max | 0.50% max | Silicon is limited to maintain the intended fabrication and service properties. |
| Mechanical Properties | |||
| Typical Condition | Annealed | Annealed | Mechanical properties vary with product form, thickness, cold work and annealing treatment. |
| Yield Strength, RT | Approx. 205 MPa | Approx. 240 MPa | Typical minimum annealed plate or sheet values; confirm against the ordered specification. |
| Tensile Strength, RT | Approx. 550 MPa | Approx. 550 MPa | The alloys have similar minimum room-temperature tensile strength in common annealed forms. |
| Elongation, RT | Approx. 30% | Approx. 30% | Both alloys provide good ductility for forming and fabrication. |
| High-Temperature Strength | Good strength with excellent scale stability | Good strength at elevated temperatures | 601 is generally better suited to prolonged exposure at the higher end of the temperature range. |
| Weldability | Good with qualified procedures | Good with qualified procedures | Confirm filler metal, heat input and service-specific inspection requirements. |
| Temperature Performance | |||
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent, including under cyclic heating conditions | Very good in continuous high-temperature service | 601 usually provides better resistance to scaling and oxide spalling. |
| Approximate Oxidation Limit | Up to approximately 1,200°C | Up to approximately 1,095°C | Practical limits depend on atmosphere, loading, thermal cycling and required service life. |
| Thermal Cycling Resistance | Excellent | Good | The adherent aluminum-containing oxide layer gives 601 an advantage during repeated heating and cooling. |
| Carburization Resistance | Very good | Good to very good | 601 is commonly selected for carburizing and other severe furnace atmospheres. |
| Nitriding Atmospheres | Good resistance in many conditions | Good resistance in many conditions | Actual performance should be verified against gas composition, temperature and exposure time. |
| Price Comparison | |||
| Relative Material Cost | High | High | 601 may cost more in some forms, while market price also depends on nickel content and availability. |
| Stock Availability | Available in common heat-resistant product forms | Generally broader availability in common sheet, tube, pipe and bar sizes | 600 may be easier to source for general-purpose applications and smaller orders. |
| Fabrication Cost | High | High | Both alloys require appropriate tooling, machining parameters and qualified welding procedures. |
| Quotation Factors | Form, size, quantity, specification, testing and delivery schedule | Form, size, quantity, specification, testing and delivery schedule | Obtain final prices using the actual drawing, tolerances and certification requirements. |
| Performance & Application | |||
| Primary Advantage | Superior oxidation resistance at very high temperatures | Versatile corrosion resistance with high nickel content | Select 601 for severe furnace exposure and 600 for broader general-purpose service. |
| Aqueous Corrosion Resistance | Good in many industrial environments | Very good in many organic and inorganic compounds | 600 is often preferred when aqueous corrosion resistance is more important than maximum oxidation resistance. |
| Chloride Stress-Corrosion Cracking | Good resistance | Excellent resistance compared with many stainless steels | The higher nickel content of 600 generally provides an advantage in chloride-bearing aqueous service. |
| Typical Applications | Industrial furnaces, radiant tubes, heat-treatment baskets, combustion chambers and thermal-processing equipment | Heat exchangers, chemical equipment, furnace components, nuclear equipment and steam-generator tubing | 601 is strongly associated with furnace hardware; 600 covers a wider range of thermal and chemical equipment. |
| Best Use Case | High-temperature service involving oxidation, carburization and repeated thermal cycling | General heat- and corrosion-resistant service requiring high nickel content | Use actual temperature, atmosphere, loading and corrosion data for final material selection. |
Values are typical references for article comparison. Final supply should follow the ordered standard, product form, heat treatment, mill test certificate and project requirements.
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