INCONEL 601
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Inconel 601
Inconel 601 is a nickel-chromium alloy known for its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation, maintaining integrity up to 2200°F.
Table of Contents
Popular Products
Material Specification
Possible Alternative Grades
| Alternative Grade | Why Choose This Over Inconel 601 |
|---|---|
| Inconel 625 | Better resistance to oxidation, higher strength at elevated temperatures. |
| Incoloy 800 | More cost-effective, with improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures. |
| Incoloy 825 | Better resistance to acidic environments, especially sulfuric and phosphoric acids. |
| Hastelloy C-276 | Superior resistance to pitting, stress corrosion, and aggressive environments. |
| Hastelloy C-22 | Excellent resistance to a wide range of acids and alkalis, including hydrochloric acid. |
| Alloy 20 | Great resistance to sulfuric acid, ideal for chemical and pharmaceutical industries. |
| Monel 400 | Lower cost and excellent resistance to seawater and marine environments. |
| Inconel 600 | Lower cost with decent resistance but less strength and oxidation resistance than Inconel 601. |
| Titanium Grade 2 | Lighter, corrosion-resistant, but not as heat-resistant as Inconel 601. |
| Hastelloy B-3 | Superior resistance to hydrochloric acid at high temperatures, ideal for acid processing. |
Inventory
| Product Form | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 601 Pipe | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) | – | 3000 mm (custom) |
| Inconel 601 Tube | 12 mm | 20 mm | 260 mm (custom) |
| Inconel 601 Pipe Fittings | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) | – | 3000 mm (custom) |
| Inconel 601 Flanges | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) | 20 mm | 3000 mm (custom) |
Technical Data Sheet
| Element | Min Percentage | Max Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 58.00% | 63.00% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 21.00% | 25.00% |
| Aluminium (Al) | 1.00% | 1.70% |
| Copper (Cu) | – | 1.00% |
| Manganese (Mn) | – | 1.00% |
| Silicon (Si) | – | 0.50% |
| Carbon (C) | – | 0.10% |
| Sulphur (S) | – | 0.01% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | – |
| Property | 21°C | 538°C | 649°C | 760°C | 871°C | 982°C | 1093°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (kMPa) | 689.5 | 620.5 | 413.7 | 234.4 | 124.1 | – | – |
| 0.2% Yield Strength (MPa) | 372.3 | 331 | 282.7 | 179.2 | 103.4 | – | – |
| Minimum Creep 0.0001% per hr (MPa) | – | – | – | 28.3 | 13.8 | 5.2 | 3 |
| 10,000 hr Rupture Strength (MPa) | – | – | – | 42.7 | 17.9 | 8.3 | 4.3 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (µm/m°C) | – | 15.3 | 16 | 16.6 | 17.1 | 17.6 | 18.3 |
| Thermal Conductivity (kcal/hr.m.°C) | 9.7 | 17.3 | 18.9 | 20.4 | 22 | 23.5 | 25.1 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (105 MPa) | 2.06 | 1.75 | 1.66 | 1.55 | 1.42 | 1.27 | 1.12 |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.11 g/cm³ 0.293 lb/in³ |
| Melting Range | 2480 – 2571 °F 1360 – 1411 °C |
| Specific Heat | 0.107 Btu/lb-°F 448 J/kg-°C |
| Permeability at 200 Oersted | 15.9 kA/m (at 76°F/24°C) 1.003 (at 76°F/24°C) 15.9 kA/m (-109°F/-78°C) 1.004 (at -109°F/-78°C) 15.9 kA/m (-320°F/-196°C) 1.016 (at -320°F/-196°C) |
| Curie Temperature | -320 °F -196 °C |
Corrosion Resistance
Inconel 601 offers exceptional resistance to high-temperature corrosion due to its high nickel and chromium content, along with the addition of aluminum. The alloy is particularly notable for its ability to resist oxidation at temperatures up to 2200°F (1200°C). The combination of chromium and aluminum in Inconel 601 provides unique protection against oxide spalling, even under cyclic thermal conditions. This makes it highly effective in environments where thermal cycling and high-temperature corrosion are prevalent, ensuring durability and longevity in demanding applications.
Thermal Properties
Melting Point Range
- 1320–1370°C (2408–2500°F)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
- Temperature range: 20–1000°C (68–1832°F)
- Average linear expansion coefficient: 13.3 × 10⁻⁶/°C
Thermal Conductivity
- 20°C (68°F): 14.8 W/m·K
- 200°C (392°F): 17.5 W/m·K
- 400°C (752°F): 20.0 W/m·K
- 600°C (1112°F): 22.3 W/m·K
- 800°C (1472°F): 24.3 W/m·K
- 1000°C (1832°F): 26.2 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity
- 20°C (68°F): 427 J/kg·K
- Slightly increases with temperature
High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance
- Demonstrates exceptional oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1200°C (2192°F), forming a stable aluminum oxide layer on the surface.
Fabrication and Welding Information
Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW):
- Up to 1800°F (980°C): INCO-WELD A Welding Electrode or INCONEL Welding Electrode 117
- 1800°F (980°C) to 2100°F (1150°C): INCONEL Welding Electrode 117
- Above 2100°F (1150°C): Not recommended
- Exposure to H₂S or SO₂ at all temperatures: Not recommended
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG):
- Filler metals: INCONEL Filler Metal 82, 601, or 617 (depending on service temperature and conditions).
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG):
- Filler metals: INCONEL Filler Metal 82 or 617 (depending on service temperature and conditions).
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW):
- Recommended filler and flux: INCONEL Filler Metal 82 and INCOFLUX 4.
Note: SAW is not recommended above 1800°F (980°C) or in environments with H₂S or SO₂.
Fabrication
Hot Working:
- Inconel 601 is readily hot worked. Cleanliness is crucial before heating, and heating in sulfur-rich environments should be avoided.
Cold Forming:
- Inconel 601 can be cold-formed in a manner similar to austenitic stainless steels. Work hardening during the process may necessitate intermediate annealing.
Machinability
Classified as a “C” class alloy, Inconel 601 is challenging to machine. To achieve optimal results:
- Use heavy-duty machines capable of handling high loads.
- Employ sharp tools with proper geometry.
- Operate at slow speeds with deep cuts to remove work-hardened layers effectively.
Weld Pool Contamination
- Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the weld pool during the welding process to ensure high-quality results.
- For further technical assistance or recommendations, please feel free to contact us.
Heat Treatment
Solution Annealing
- Temperature Range: 1100–1180°C (2012–2156°F)
- Cooling: Rapid cooling is necessary to prevent sensitization to intergranular corrosion.
- Annealing Time: Should be minimized to avoid excessive grain growth.
Strength and Hardness Adjustment
- Inconel 601 is not strengthened by traditional heat treatment.
- A combination of cold working and annealing is required to achieve a broad range of strength and hardness.
- The amount of cold work and the material’s section size must be considered when establishing an annealing procedure.
Heating and Atmosphere Requirements
Surface Preparation:
All grease, oil, paint, shop soil, and foreign substances must be thoroughly removed before heating.
Atmosphere Control:
Heat the material in a low-sulfur atmosphere to prevent contamination.
A slightly reducing furnace atmosphere is recommended to minimize excessive oxidation.
Pickling Requirements
- Refractory Surface Oxides:
- Due to its chromium and aluminum content, Inconel 601 forms a refractory oxide layer during heating, which cannot be removed by standard bright annealing methods.
- Specialized pickling procedures are required to achieve bright surfaces.
- Post-Heating Cooling:
- Rapid cooling through the 1000–1400°F (540–760°C) temperature range is essential to avoid sensitization if the material is to be pickled or exposed to aggressive environments.
Impact of Cooling Rate
- While the cooling rate has minimal impact on mechanical properties, rapid cooling is critical for maintaining corrosion resistance in aggressive environments.
Applications
Customized Package

Oil-Coated Paper

Thick Woven Plastic Bag

Air Cushion Film + Wooden Case
At Alloyxpert
- Sheets and plates are wrapped in oil-coated paper for corrosion protection, placed on wooden pallets, and strapped securely to prevent shifting during transport.
- Bars and rods are bundled together using thick woven plastic bags and carefully packed, ensuring each bundle weighs no more than 1500 KG for safe handling.
- Tubes and pipes are packed in air cushion film to protect them from dirt and scratches. For added protection, they are placed in wooden cases to prevent damage during transit.
Logistics

By Sea

By Air

By Land
Alloyxpert provides three transportation options: sea, land, and air. Sea transportation is the most commonly chosen method for most orders and is therefore regarded as the default transportation mode. Quotations are typically based on terms such as FOB, CFR, or CIF. For urgent requirements, we also offer air transportation, while land transportation is available for specific regional needs.
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