Table of Contents
Introduction
Inconel 600, a nickel-chromium alloy, is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures. Used extensively in industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, and power generation, this alloy offers superior performance in harsh environments. This article details its key features, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and various industrial applications.
What is Inconel 600?
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) is a nickel-chromium alloy designed for high temperature and corrosion resistance, performing from cryogenic levels to 2000°F (1093°C). Its high nickel content resists chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking, reducing environments, and alkaline solutions, while chromium enhances oxidation resistance. This alloy is widely used in aerospace, chemical processing, nuclear engineering, and heat treating due to its excellent strength, workability, and weldability.
What Are the Specifications of Inconel Alloy 600?
Inconel 600 Equivalent
| Standard | Equivalent |
| UNS | N06600 |
| W. Nr. | 2.4816 |
| AFNOR | NC15Fe |
| DIN | NiCr15Fe |
| BS | NA14 |
| GOST | ХН60МБ (KhN60MB) |
| JIS | NCF 600 |
Inconel 600 ASTM Standard
| Form | ASTM Standard |
| Sheet/Plate | ASTM B168 |
| Seamless Pipe/Tube | ASTM B163, ASTM B167 |
| Bar | ASTM B166 |
| Welded Pipe | ASTM B517 |
Inconel 600 Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
| Nickel (Ni) | 72.0 min |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0 – 17.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 6.0 – 10.0 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.15 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.5 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.015 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.015 max |
| Cobalt (Co) | 1.0 max |
| Aluminum (Al) | 0.2 max |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.2 max |
| Boron (B) | 0.006 max |
Inconel 600 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | 550 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | 240 MPa (min) |
| Elongation | 30% (min) |
| Hardness | 88 HRB (max) |
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1370-1425°C (2500-2600°F) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 207 GPa |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.32 |
Inconel Alloy 600 Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Corrosion Rate & Resistance |
| Oxidizing Conditions | 0.025 – 0.10 (Excellent) |
| Reducing Conditions | < 0.025 (High resistance due to nickel content) |
| Chloride-ion Stress-Corrosion Cracking | Negligible (Excellent resistance) |
| Sulfur Compounds (in air at 500°C) | 0.03 – 0.07 (Good resistance) |
| Carburizing Atmospheres | < 0.05 (High resistance) |
| Alkaline Solutions | < 0.01 (Excellent resistance) |
| Organic and Inorganic Compounds | < 0.05 (Resistant to many, including acids and salts) |
| Hot Concentrated Nitric Acid | > 0.50 (Poor resistance) |
| Neutral and Alkaline Salt Solutions | < 0.025 (Excellent resistance) |
| Steam and Steam Mixtures (Air, CO2) | < 0.01 (Excellent resistance) |
Heat Treatment of Inconel Alloy 600
| Heat Treatment Process | Temperature Range (°C) | Details |
| Annealing | 1010°C – 1150°C | Annealing is used to soften the alloy and improve ductility. Cooling can be done rapidly by water quenching. |
| Solution Annealing | 1090°C – 1150°C | Performed to restore maximum corrosion resistance and optimize mechanical properties. |
| Stress Relieving | 870°C – 980°C | Reduces residual stresses from fabrication without significantly altering material properties. |
| Hot Working | 870°C – 1230°C | Post-hot working, a full anneal is recommended to restore the alloy’s structure. |
Fabrication and Machining With Inconel Alloy 600
| Fabrication Process | Details |
| Cold Forming | Inconel 600 has good cold forming properties, similar to stainless steel, but it requires higher force due to its strength. |
| Hot Working | Hot working should be performed at 870°C – 1230°C (1600°F – 2250°F) with annealing after hot work to restore properties. |
| Welding | Inconel 600 is weldable using methods such as TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Filler metals of matching composition are recommended. |
| Machining | Machining is difficult due to its hardness. Carbide tools, slow speeds, and high feed rates are recommended to avoid work hardening. |
| Forging | Forging is best done between 1230°C and 950°C (2250°F and 1740°F) with subsequent annealing to relieve stress. |
| Grinding | Use slow speeds and large depths of cut to avoid work hardening. Lubrication is recommended to improve surface finish. |
| Heat Treatment After Fabrication | Annealing at 1010°C – 1150°C (1850°F – 2100°F) is necessary to restore ductility and corrosion resistance after fabrication. |
What Are the Advantages of Inconel Alloy 600?
- High Temperature Resistance: It can withstand extreme temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C), making it ideal for high-heat applications.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: It offers superior resistance to oxidation, reducing environments, and chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking.
- Good Mechanical Properties: It maintains high strength and good ductility over a wide range of temperatures.
- Versatile Applications: Its properties make it suitable for use in industries like aerospace, chemical processing, nuclear, and heat treating.
- Non-Magnetic: It is non-magnetic, which is beneficial in certain specialized applications.
- Ease of Fabrication: It can be cold-formed, hot-worked, and welded using standard techniques, offering flexibility during manufacturing.
- Resistance to Carburizing and Sulfidation: It performs well in carburizing atmospheres and environments containing sulfur compounds.
What is Inconel 600 Used For?
- Chemical Industry: Applications include process equipment for chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons, caustic alkalis production, and phenol condensers.
- Aerospace: Used in engine and airframe components like exhaust liners, turbine seals, and safety wires.
- Heat Treating Industry: Ideal for furnace trays, muffles, retorts, and radiant tubes in high-temperature processing.
- Pulp and Paper Industry: Used in heaters, evaporator tubes, and fixtures handling acidic or sulfide-laden environments.
- Food Processing: Handles vegetable and fatty acid vessels and other caustic environments.
- Nuclear Engineering: Applied in reactor vessel components, control rod inlet tubes, and steam dryers.
- Gas Turbine Components: Components for high-temperature gas turbines, including thermocouple sheaths and exhaust systems.
Comparison with Other Inconel Alloys
Inconel 600 vs 625
While both alloys offer excellent high-temperature and corrosion resistance, Inconel 625 has superior strength due to the addition of molybdenum and niobium. Inconel 600 is more suited for applications requiring oxidation resistance and ease of fabrication.
Inconel 600 vs 718
Inconel 718 is precipitation-hardened, giving it higher strength and better resistance to creep at elevated temperatures compared to Inconel 600. Inconel 600 is preferred for applications where resistance to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking is crucial.
Inconel 600 vs 601
Inconel 601 has enhanced oxidation resistance at high temperatures, especially in applications involving sulfur compounds. However, Inconel 600 offers better resistance to reducing environments.
Inconel 600 vs 690
Inconel 690 is specifically designed for superior resistance to oxidizing chemicals, especially in nuclear environments. Inconel 600, while versatile, doesn’t offer the same level of oxidizing resistance.
Conclusion
Inconel alloy 600 stands out as a versatile nickel-chromium alloy with excellent resistance to high temperatures, oxidation, and corrosion. With applications in aerospace, chemical processing, heat treating, and nuclear engineering, it offers strong mechanical properties, workability, and weldability. Inconel alloy 600 is ideal for demanding environments that require reliable performance. Contact us today to explore how Inconel alloy 600 can meet your project requirements!
FAQs
What is the other name for Inconel 600?
Inconel 600 is also known by its UNS designation, N06600, and its Werkstoff number, 2.4816. It may also be referred to as Alloy 600 in various industries.
Is Inconel 600 better than Hastelloy?
Inconel 600 and Hastelloy serve different purposes. Inconel 600 excels in high-temperature environments and offers strong oxidation and corrosion resistance. Hastelloy, particularly Hastelloy C276, offers superior resistance to a wider range of corrosive environments, including strong acids. The choice between the two depends on the specific application and the types of corrosive agents present.
What temperature can Inconel 600 withstand?
Inconel 600 can withstand temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C), making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as gas turbines, heat exchangers, and furnace components.
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