1. Overview
Inconel 600 (international designation) is a nickel-chromium-iron-based superalloy developed by Special Metals Corporation in the 1930s. Renowned for its exceptional high-temperature oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical stability, it is widely used in extreme thermal and corrosive environments. With a nickel content of ≥72%, chromium content of 14–17%, and additions of iron, carbon, manganese, and other elements, it forms a stable austenitic structure. This alloy maintains performance stability at temperatures up to 1177°C and excels in resisting chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and caustic corrosion, earning it the reputation as a "guardian of high-temperature environments."
2. International and Domestic Designations
Inconel 600 is standardized under various global specifications, as shown below:
Country/Region |
Standard System |
Designation |
United States |
ASTM/UNS |
UNS N06600 |
China |
GB/T |
NS3102 (formerly 0Cr15Ni75Fe) |
Germany |
DIN/W.Nr. |
W.Nr.2.4816 |
Japan |
JIS |
NW6600 |
International |
Commercial Names |
Inconel 600, Alloy 600 |
3. Key Chemical Composition (Weight Percentage)
The typical composition and functional roles of elements in Inconel 600 are listed below:
Element |
Composition Range |
Primary Role |
Nickel (Ni) |
≥72% |
Base element; provides high-temperature stability and corrosion resistance |
Chromium (Cr) |
14.0–17.0% |
Enhances oxidation and chloride corrosion resistance |
Iron (Fe) |
6.0–10.0% |
Optimizes hot workability and cost control |
Carbon (C) |
≤0.15% |
Controls grain boundary precipitation to prevent sensitization |
Manganese (Mn) |
≤1.0% |
Acts as a deoxidizer; improves hot workability |
Silicon (Si) |
≤0.5% |
Enhances high-temperature strength |
Sulfur (S) |
≤0.015% |
Reduces hot brittleness |
Copper (Cu) |
≤0.5% |
Minimizes impurity effects |
4. Core Characteristics
1. High-Temperature Performance
· Oxidation Resistance: Forms a dense Cr₂O₃ oxide layer below 1177°C, resisting oxidation and carburization.
· Creep Strength: Maintains high creep resistance at 540–815°C, suitable for long-term high-temperature service.
2. Corrosion Resistance
· Chloride Environments: Resists stress corrosion cracking (SCC), ideal for nuclear reactor steam generator tubes.
· Acid/Alkali Media: Resists nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and caustic soda (≤50% concentration), but limited resistance to reducing acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid).
3. Mechanical Properties
· Tensile Strength: 550–1100 MPa
· Yield Strength: 240–690 MPa
· Elongation: ≥30% (annealed condition)
· Low-Temperature Toughness: Retains ductility down to -196°C.
4. Manufacturability
· Suitable for cold/hot forming (forging, rolling, deep drawing) and welding (TIG, MIG, brazing compatible).
· Solution Treatment: 1010–1120°C (water quenched or air cooled).
5. Key Application Areas
Industry |
Typical Components |
Operating Conditions |
Chemical & Petrochemical |
Nitric acid reactors, vinyl chloride monomer reactors, caustic evaporators |
High temperature (≤600°C), aggressive media |
Nuclear Power |
Nuclear reactor control rod cladding, steam generator tubes |
High-pressure water, neutron irradiation |
Aerospace |
Jet engine combustion liners, rocket nozzle components |
Oxidizing/thermal cycling up to 1100°C |
Heat Treatment |
Carburizing furnace retorts, radiant tubes, annealing rolls |
Prolonged exposure to 980–1150°C |
Energy & Electronics |
Semiconductor furnace tubes, fuel cell interconnects, molten salt solar receivers |
High-temperature oxidation/thermal shock |
6. Material Selection Considerations
· Avoid: Reducing acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄), sulfur-containing gases (risk of sulfide embrittlement).
· Sensitization Risk: Prolonged exposure to 425–815°C may cause intergranular corrosion; use low-carbon variants (e.g., Inconel 601) if needed.
7. Development & Market Trends
Inconel 600 has undergone continuous refinement in processing techniques (e.g., vacuum melting,and age hardening). Its demand remains robust in aerospace, nuclear energy, and high-temperature industrial sectors, driven by the need for reliability in extreme environments.
As a leading supplier of pipeline products in the industry, Toko Tech is always committed to providing customers with high-performance and durable solutions. Inconel 600, an exceptional nickel-chromium alloy material, has become the ideal choice for harsh environments due to its outstanding high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance. The combination of our pipeline products and Inconel 600 not only meets the demands of high-end industries such as petrochemicals, aerospace, and nuclear energy but also reflects our relentless pursuit of quality and innovation. In the future, we will continue to leverage advanced materials and technologies to deliver more reliable and superior pipeline products, contributing to the sustainable development of the industry.