Introduction

Inconel 600 Alloy (UNS N06600 / W.Nr. 2.4816) is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy containing a minimum of 72% nickel, 14–17% chromium, and 6–10% iron, producing a face-centered cubic austenitic matrix that retains structural integrity from cryogenic temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C) in continuous service. This nickel based alloy 600 delivers high temperature Inconel 600 performance through a stable chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) surface layer that regenerates after mechanical damage, with oxidation resistance and excellent corrosion resistant nickel alloy properties in alkaline, organic acid, and chloride-containing environments. The high nickel content makes it virtually immune to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking and provides excellent resistance to caustic corrosion and high-purity water corrosion. This heat resistant nickel alloy is the preferred material for heat exchangers, furnace equipment, chemical processing, nuclear industry, aerospace, petrochemical industry, oil and gas, and power generation applications. Available in Inconel 600 plate, sheet, strip, seamless pipe, tube, bar, round bar, rod, wire, forgings, flanges, fittings, and fasteners, in hot rolled, cold rolled, cold drawn, annealed, and solution annealed conditions

Chemical components

Mechanical properties

Physical properties

Inconel 600 Available Products and Standard

1. ASTM B168 (Standard Specification for Nickel-Chromium Alloy Plate, Sheet, and Strip)

Grade: UNS N06600 / Inconel 600 / Alloy 600 / W.Nr. 2.4851

Type: Sheet / Plate / Strip

Size Range:

• Inconel Alloy 600 Sheet / Plate: 0.5 – 180 mm thick (hot rolled or cold rolled)

• Inconel Alloy 600 Strip: 0.05 – 5.0 mm thick × up to 500 mm wide (coils)

Surface: Annealed, Pickled, Bright, Polished

Testing: Chemical analysis, mechanical test (tensile, yield, elongation), hardness test, intergranular corrosion test, dimensional inspection

2. ASTM B166 (Standard Specification for Nickel-Chromium Alloy Rod and Bar)

Grade: UNS N06600 / Inconel 600 / Alloy 600

Type: Round Bar / Rod / Wire

Size Range:

• Inconel Alloy 600 Round Bar: 8 – 355 mm dia (hot rolled or cold drawn)

• Inconel Alloy 600 Wire: 0.1 – 15.0 mm dia (coils or straight)

Surface: Annealed, Pickled, Ground, Turned, Bright

Testing: Chemical analysis, mechanical test (tensile, yield, elongation), hardness test, ultrasonic test, dimensional inspection

3. ASTM B167 (Standard Specification for Nickel-Chromium Alloy Seamless Pipe and Tube)

Grade: UNS N06600 / Inconel 600 / Alloy 600

Type: Seamless Pipe / Seamless Tube

Size Range:

• Inconel Alloy 600 Seamless Pipe: 6 – 610 mm OD × 1 – 50 mm wall thickness

• Inconel Alloy 600 Seamless Tube: Custom sizes

Surface: Annealed, Pickled, Bright

Testing: Chemical analysis, mechanical test (tensile, yield, elongation), hydrostatic test, eddy current test, dimensional inspection

4. ASTM B564 (Standard Specification for Nickel Alloy Forgings)

Grade: UNS N06600 / Inconel 600 / Alloy 600

Type: Forging / Forged Ring / Flange / Fitting

Size Range: Custom sizes available

Surface: Annealed, Pickled, Ground, Turned

Testing: Chemical analysis, mechanical test (tensile, yield, elongation), hardness test, ultrasonic test, dimensional inspection

Applications

1. Heat Exchangers & Chemical Processing Equipment

• For heat exchangers, condenser tubing, and reboiler bundles in chemical processing facilities, Inconel 600 for heat exchanger handles caustic soda, chlorinated solvents, and organic acids. This corrosion resistant Inconel 600 resists attack by many organic and inorganic compounds, making it ideal for phenol condensers, soap manufacture, and vegetable and fatty acid vessels.

• For chemical processing reactors, distillation columns, and retort vessels, Alloy 600 seamless pipe and UNS N06600 tube provide long-term stability in aggressive environments. The alloy is used in titanium dioxide production (chloride route), perchlorethylene synthesis, and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production.

• For evaporator tubing and piping exposed to corrosive media, heat resistant Inconel 600 maintains integrity in both acidic and alkaline environments.

2. Furnace Equipment & Thermal Processing

• For furnace components including furnace seals, fans, muffles, fixtures, and radiant tubes, Inconel 600 for furnace equipment delivers excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures and resistance to carburization. The alloy is extensively used in heat treating equipment and thermal processing systems.

• For thermocouple sheaths, ethylene dichloride (EDC) cracking tubes, and reformer tubes in petrochemical plants, Nickel Alloy 600 withstands sustained high-temperature exposure in demanding furnace atmospheres.

• For industrial heating equipment and heat treatment furnaces, Inconel 600 plate and sheet provide the combination of oxidation resistance and mechanical strength required for long-term service at elevated temperatures.

3. Nuclear Industry & Power Generation

• For nuclear industry reactor vessels, pressurizer heater sleeves, and steam generator tubing, Inconel 600 for nuclear industry provides general corrosion resistance and resistance to high-purity water corrosion. No indication of chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking in reactor water systems has been detected.

• For power generation equipment and thermal processing systems, Alloy 600 maintains mechanical properties from cryogenic temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C), offering reliable performance in demanding energy applications.

4. Petrochemical Industry & Oil and Gas

• For petrochemical industry processing units, reformer tubes, and catalytic regenerators, Inconel 600 for petrochemical industry provides excellent resistance to carburization and oxidation at elevated temperatures.

• For oil and gas applications including gas turbine components and high-temperature process equipment, Nickel Alloy 600 offers the high strength and corrosion resistance required for demanding hydrocarbon processing environments.

5. Aerospace & High Temperature Applications

• For aerospace combustion chamber liners, afterburner components, and turbine exhaust hardware operating at 1400°F to 2000°F (760°C to 1093°C), Inconel 600 for aerospace provides the oxidation resistance and thermal stability required for critical flight components.

• For high temperature static applications, Inconel 600 sheet and strip are specified for components requiring both heat resistance and corrosion resistance in demanding environments.

6. General Industrial & Caustic Service

• For caustic alkali production, particularly in the presence of sulfur compounds, Incoloy 600 is widely used for reactor vessels, piping systems, and process equipment.

• For food processing equipment, Inconel 600 provides non-contaminating corrosion resistance in fatty acid and organic acid service.

FAQ – Inconel 600 Alloy

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

A: Inconel 600 alloy (UNS N06600) is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with 72% nickel minimum, chosen for broad corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength in many industrial media. Inconel 601 adds more chromium (21–25%) with added aluminum (1.0–1.7%), giving it superior oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. For applications requiring maximum oxidation resistance above 2000°F, Inconel 601 is preferred; for general corrosion resistance and chloride stress-corrosion cracking resistance, Inconel 600 is the standard choice.

Q: Can Inconel 600 be hardened through heat treatment?

A: No. Inconel 600 alloy is not precipitation hardenable; it is hardened and strengthened only by cold work. Age-hardening treatments are not required. The alloy can be annealed at 871–982°C (1600–1800°F) followed by rapid cooling to eliminate stress and optimize ductility. For maximum strength, cold working is the recommended method of strengthening.

Q: What is the maximum operating temperature for Inconel 600?

A: Inconel 600 is designed for use from cryogenic temperatures down to -423°F (-253°C) up to 2000°F (1093°C) in continuous service. It offers good oxidation resistance at higher temperatures and maintains mechanical strength across a wide temperature range. However, the alloy is not recommended for use above 1000°C in strongly oxidizing environments, as the chromium content may be insufficient to form a continuous protective Cr₂O₃ layer.

Q: What is the difference between ASTM B166, B167, and B168 for Inconel 600?

A: These three ASTM standards apply to the same Inconel 600 alloy but cover different product forms:

• ASTM B166 → Bar, rod, and wire

• ASTM B167 → Seamless pipe and tube

• ASTM B168 → Plate, sheet, and strip

All three standards share the same chemical composition requirements and basic heat treatment specifications but differ in dimensional tolerances, process tests, and inspection requirements. ASTM B167 requires hydrostatic testing (or equivalent NDT) for each tube, while ASTM B168 focuses on thickness tolerance and flatness.

We are a trusted Inconel 600 Supplier and Inconel 600 Manufacturer, China-based, serving chemical processors, heat exchanger fabricators, furnace equipment builders, nuclear industry suppliers, and aerospace manufacturers worldwide. All products comply with ASTM B168 / ASTM B167 / ASTM B166 / ASME SB168 with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates, PMI verification, and dimensional inspection reports. We offer Inconel 600 plate, sheet, seamless pipe, tube, bar, round bar, rod, wire, forgings, flanges, fittings, and fasteners in custom sizes, with cut‑to‑size, precision machining, and annealing services. Contact us at info@monokj.com for size chart, pricing, or custom requirements.