Introduction

ASTM B168 Inconel Alloy Plate is the standard specification for nickel-chromium-iron alloy plate, sheet, and strip, covering three primary grades: Inconel 600 plate (UNS N06600) , Inconel 601 plate (UNS N06601) , and Inconel 690 plate (UNS N06690) . All three grades are supplied in solution annealed condition, available in hot-rolled and cold-rolled forms, custom thickness (0.1mm–100mm), and cut‑to‑size options.

Inconel 600 alloy plate offers resistance to chloride‑ion stress corrosion cracking and oxidation up to 1093°C. Inconel 601 alloy plate adds aluminum for superior high‑temperature oxidation resistance up to 1250°C, ideal for thermal cycling service. Inconel 690 alloy plate features high chromium content for exceptional SCC resistance in nuclear and high‑temperature water applications.

Specifications & Process Options

Applications

1. Heat Treatment Equipment & Furnace Components

• For industrial furnace components requiring sustained high-temperature performance – Inconel 600 plate for furnace components resists oxidation, carburization, and thermal fatigue up to 1093°C (2000°F). It is widely used in heat-treating equipment such as baskets, muffles, retorts, and radiant tubes. The alloy’s chromium oxide surface layer (Cr₂O₃) regenerates after mechanical damage, providing long service life in aggressive furnace atmospheres.

• For applications demanding superior oxidation resistance under severe thermal cycling – Inconel 601 plate for heat treatment equipment delivers outstanding high-temperature oxidation resistance up to 1250°C (2200°F). Its tightly adherent oxide scale resists spalling even under cyclic heating and cooling. This oxidation resistant Inconel 601 plate is the preferred choice for furnace fans, burner nozzles, radiant tubes, and thermal oxidizer components in petrochemical processing.

• For high-temperature jigs, fixtures, and conveyor systems – ASTM B168 Inconel sheet provides the mechanical stability and oxidation resistance needed for continuous furnace operations. The heat resistant nickel alloy plate maintains strength and dimensional stability through thousands of thermal cycles.

2. Chemical Processing & Petrochemical Industry

• For reactors, heat exchangers, and piping systems handling corrosive chemicals – Inconel 600 alloy plate for chemical processing resists a wide range of acids and bases, including organic acids, fatty acids, and sodium sulfide. Its high nickel content provides excellent corrosion resistance even under reducing conditions, while chromium enhances strength at elevated temperatures. This corrosion resistant Inconel plate is specified for phenol condensers, soap manufacture, and vegetable/fatty acid vessels.

• For high-temperature process equipment in petrochemical plants – ASTM B168 Inconel 601 sheet offers good resistance to carburization and carbon nitriding conditions, making it suitable for ethylene cracking furnace components, reformer tubes, and catalyst support grids.

• For nitric acid and nitric/hydrofluoric acid service – Inconel 690 plate for chemical processing provides low corrosion rates and resistance to stress corrosion cracking in chloride-containing environments, ideal for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing and chemical plant equipment handling aggressive acid mixtures.

3. Nuclear Industry & Power Generation

• For nuclear steam generator tubing, baffles, and tubesheets – Inconel 690 alloy plate for nuclear industry offers exceptional resistance to stress corrosion cracking in high-temperature, high-purity water. The high chromium content (27–31%) is the defining characteristic that distinguishes it from Inconel 600 (14–17% Cr), providing significantly higher SCC resistance in pressurized water reactor (PWR) environments. This nuclear grade Inconel alloy plate is the standard material for steam generator tubes and components in pressurised water nuclear power plants.

• For power generation equipment including feedwater heaters, condensers, and boiler components – ASTM B168 nickel alloy plate provides oxidation resistance and mechanical stability across a wide temperature range.

4. Aerospace & Gas Turbine Components

• For aircraft engine components, afterburner parts, and exhaust systems – Inconel 601 plate for high temperature applications provides the oxidation resistance and high-temperature strength required for demanding aerospace environments. Its resistance to thermal cycling makes it suitable for gas turbine components and combustion chamber liners.

5. Marine Engineering & Industrial Equipment

• For marine engineering and seawater-exposed equipment – Incoloy sheet provides resistance to chloride-induced pitting and crevice corrosion, making it suitable for offshore platforms and seawater cooling systems.

• For general industrial equipment including heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and pollution control systems – ASTM B168 Inconel plate offers the corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and mechanical strength needed for long-term service in demanding environments.

FAQ – ASTM B168 Inconel Alloy Plate

Q: What is the difference between Inconel 600, 601, and 690 plates?

A: Inconel 600 alloy plate is the general-purpose grade with good oxidation resistance and resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking. Inconel 601 alloy plate adds aluminum for superior high-temperature oxidation resistance up to 1250°C, making it ideal for furnace and thermal cycling applications. Inconel 690 alloy plate features high chromium content (27–31%) for exceptional stress corrosion cracking resistance in nuclear and high-temperature water applications.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for Inconel 601 plate?

A: Inconel 601 plate resists oxidation up to 1250°C (2200°F), even under severe thermal cycling conditions, making it suitable for industrial furnaces, heat-treating equipment, and gas turbine components.

Q: Why is Inconel 690 preferred over Inconel 600 for nuclear applications?

A: Inconel 690 plate has higher chromium content (27–31% vs 14–17%), providing significantly better resistance to stress corrosion cracking in high-temperature, high-purity water. It is the standard material for PWR steam generator tubes and components, while Inconel 600 is more susceptible to SCC in nuclear environments.

Q: Can ASTM B168 plates be welded without post-weld heat treatment?

A: Yes. All three grades can be welded using TIG, MIG, and other standard processes. Inconel 600 plate and Inconel 601 plate are weldable without post-weld heat treatment for most applications. Inconel 690 plate also maintains excellent weldability while retaining its corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition.

Q: What industries commonly use ASTM B168 Inconel plate?

A: Heat treatment equipment and industrial furnace manufacturers, chemical and petrochemical processors, nuclear power generation, aerospace and gas turbine manufacturers, power plants, and marine engineering.

We are a trusted ASTM B168 Inconel Alloy Plate Manufacturer and Inconel Plate Supplier, China-based, serving heat treatment equipment builders, chemical processors, nuclear industry suppliers, and aerospace manufacturers worldwide. All products comply with ASTM B168 / ASME SB168 with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates, PMI verification, and dimensional inspection reports. We offer hot-rolled and cold-rolled Inconel plate in custom thickness from 0.1mm to 100mm, with cut-to-size and precision machining services. Contact us at info@monokj.com for size chart, pricing, or custom requirements.