Excellent Corrosion Resistance of Inconel 600
Inconel 600 is a nickel-based austenitic alloy known for its excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking, and superior performance in caustic and organic acid environments. It is widely used in heat treatment, chemical processing, and nuclear industries.
What is Inconel 600?
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) is a solid-solution strengthened alloy composed mainly of nickel (~72%), with chromium and iron. It provides outstanding stability in high-temperature and corrosive environments, especially in chloride-containing and oxidizing atmospheres. It is ideal for heat treating equipment, chemical reactors, aerospace, and nuclear applications.
Inconel 600 Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
| UNS | N06600 |
| W.Nr. | 2.4816 |
| ASTM | B166 / B168 / B564 / B167 |
| JIS | NCF600 |
| ISO / EN | NiCr15Fe |
Inconel 600 Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≥72.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0 – 17.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 6.0 – 10.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
Inconel 600 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 550 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 240 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 30% |
| Brinell Hardness | ≤ 190 HB |
Inconel 600 Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1354–1413 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 14.8 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~1.03 μΩ·m |
| Specific Heat | 0.444 J/g·K |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic |
Applications of Inconel 600
- Heat treatment furnaces, radiant tubes, furnace muffles, and heating elements
- Chemical vessels, caustic evaporators, and chlorine reactors
- Steam generator tubes and guide sheaths in nuclear reactors
- Acid storage tanks and corrosion-resistant parts in food industry
- Jet engine components, high-temperature bolts, and fasteners
Advantages of Inconel 600
- Outstanding oxidation resistance at high temperatures
- Excellent resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking
- Good corrosion resistance in caustic, organic acids, and ammonia media
- Suitable for both hot and cold forming, excellent weldability
- Maintains stable mechanical performance from cryogenic to elevated temperatures
Limitations of Inconel 600
- Limited corrosion resistance in strong oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric acid)
- More expensive than stainless steels and lower nickel alloys
- Requires grain structure control at temperatures above 900°C
- Vulnerable to corrosion in certain molten salts and sulfur-rich environments
Inconel 600 vs 625 vs Incoloy 800 vs Hastelloy C276
| Property / Alloy | Inconel 600 | Inconel 625 | Incoloy 800 | Hastelloy C276 |
| UNS Number | N06600 | N06625 | N08800 | N10276 |
| Main Elements | Ni-Cr-Fe | Ni-Cr-Mo-Nb | Ni-Fe-Cr | Ni-Mo-Cr-Fe-W |
| Nickel (Ni) Content | ≥72% | ≥58% | ~30–35% | ~57% |
| Key Features | Good oxidation resistance | Excellent corrosion + high strength | Excellent high-temp strength | Outstanding corrosion resistance in strong acids |
| Basic corrosion resistance | ||||
| Max Temp (oxidation) | ~1175 °C (2150 °F) | ~980 °C (1800 °F) | ~1100 °C (2010 °F) | ~1040 °C (1900 °F) |
| Strength | Moderate | Very high (due to Nb) | Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Corrosion Resistance | General purpose | Excellent (esp. in seawater, acids) | Moderate | Excellent (incl. chlorides, acids, oxidizers) |
| Oxidizing media | ||||
| Chloride Resistance | Moderate | High | Low–Moderate | Excellent |
| Weldability | Good | Good | Good | Requires control (prone to cracking) |
| Common Applications | Heat exchangers | Marine systems | Petrochemical heaters | Chemical reactors |
| Furnace parts | Chemical processing | Steam reformers | Pollution control | |
| Food processing | Aerospace | Acidic environments | ||
| Cost (relative) | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$$ |
FAQ About Inconel 600
Yes. It has excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, making it suitable for radiant tubes, muffles, and furnace parts.
Yes. Inconel 600 is used in steam generator tubing and control rod guides due to its resistance to high-temperature water and stress corrosion.
Q3: How does it compare to Inconel 625?
Yes. It can be welded using filler metals such as ERNiCr-3 (TIG/MIG), though heat input should be controlled to avoid grain coarsening.
Inconel 600 emphasizes oxidation and general corrosion resistance; Inconel 625 contains molybdenum for superior strength and corrosion resistance in harsher environments.
Summary
This article introduces Inconel 600, explains the alloy, and discusses its composition, properties, and applications. For more information about Inconel 600, please get in touch with an MT.BOLTS representative.
MT.BOLTS offers fastener manufacturing and other value-added services to meet all your prototyping and production needs. Visit our website to learn more or request a quote.
