Inconel 601 round bars stacked on wooden supports, displaying specifications marked on the ends.

Inconel 601

Inconel 601 is a nickel-chromium alloy known for its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation, maintaining integrity up to 2200°F.

Material Specification

SpecificationEquivalent
UNSN06601
AMS5549, 5754
ASTMB166, B168, B167, B333
DINW.Nr. 2.4851
EN2.4851

Possible Alternative Grades

Alternative GradeWhy Choose This Over Inconel 601
Inconel 625Better resistance to oxidation, higher strength at elevated temperatures.
Incoloy 800More cost-effective, with improved oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
Incoloy 825Better resistance to acidic environments, especially sulfuric and phosphoric acids.
Hastelloy C-276Superior resistance to pitting, stress corrosion, and aggressive environments.
Hastelloy C-22Excellent resistance to a wide range of acids and alkalis, including hydrochloric acid.
Alloy 20Great resistance to sulfuric acid, ideal for chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Monel 400Lower cost and excellent resistance to seawater and marine environments.
Inconel 600Lower cost with decent resistance but less strength and oxidation resistance than Inconel 601.
Titanium Grade 2Lighter, corrosion-resistant, but not as heat-resistant as Inconel 601.
Hastelloy B-3Superior resistance to hydrochloric acid at high temperatures, ideal for acid processing.

Inventory

Product FormThickness (mm)Width (mm)Length (mm)
Inconel 601 Pipe12.7 mm (0.5 in)3000 mm (custom)
Inconel 601 Tube12 mm20 mm260 mm (custom)
Inconel 601 Pipe Fittings12.7 mm (0.5 in)3000 mm (custom)
Inconel 601 Flanges12.7 mm (0.5 in)20 mm3000 mm (custom)

Technical Data Sheet

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

Effective packaging solutions are crucial for preserving the quality of stainless steel sheets during transportation. The image showcases neatly stacked sheets wrapped in green protective covers and secured with strong straps, ensuring they remain intact.

Oil-Coated Paper

Secure packaging plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and integrity of metal pipes during storage and transportation. The image illustrates pipes wrapped in durable protective material to prevent surface damage and corrosion.

Thick Woven Plastic Bag

Efficient packaging ensures the safe transportation of stainless steel and alloy tubes. The image displays robust wooden crates used to secure and protect the tubes, minimizing damage during transit.

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

sea freight

By Sea

air freight

By Air

rail freight

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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