Inconel 600: properties, composition, uses and standards
Inconel 600 is a nickel–chromium–iron alloy, chosen for high-temperature oxidation, caustic and nuclear service. UNS N06600, W.Nr 2.4816, density 8.47 g/cm³.
What is Inconel 600?
Inconel 600 is a nickel–chromium–iron alloy. Engineers choose it for high-temperature oxidation, caustic and nuclear service. It is also known as Alloy 600, UNS N06600, W.Nr 2.4816, Nicrofer 7216.
- UNS
- N06600
- W.Nr
- 2.4816
- EN
- NiCr15Fe
- BS
- NA 14
- JIS
- NCF 600
- Trade names
- Inconel 600 · Nicrofer 7216
- Density
- 8.47 g/cm³
- Melting range
- 1354 – 1413 °C
- Magnetic
- Non-magnetic
Chemical composition and what each element does
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Nickel (+Co) | 72.0 min |
| Chromium | 14.0 – 17.0 |
| Iron | 6.0 – 10.0 |
| Carbon | 0.15 max |
| Manganese | 1.0 max |
| Silicon | 0.5 max |
| Copper | 0.5 max |
| Sulphur | 0.015 max |
Per ASTM B168 for UNS N06600.
Over 72% nickel makes 600 practically immune to chloride stress-corrosion cracking and very good in caustic soda.
Chromium gives oxidation resistance to about 1175 °C.
Resists carburising and nitriding atmospheres in furnaces.
Not a first choice for sulphuric or hydrochloric acid — see 825 or C276.
Mechanical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 550 MPa · 80 ksi |
| Yield strength 0.2% | 240 MPa · 35 ksi |
| Elongation | 30% |
Annealed plate, minimum values. Values for pipe, bar and forgings differ slightly — see the product standard.
Where Inconel 600 is used
- Furnaces & heat treating. Muffles, retorts and radiant tubes. Industry →
- Caustic soda. Evaporators and handling equipment. Industry →
- Nuclear. Steam-generator components. Industry →
- Food processing. Equipment handling chloride-bearing products hot. Industry →
Welding 600
The matching filler is ERNiCr-3 (AWS A5.14). ENiCrFe-3 electrode.
Keep heat input moderate and interpass temperature low, clean joints thoroughly, and pickle or passivate after welding where the service is corrosive.
Inconel 600 compared with similar grades
| Grade | PREN | Choose it for |
|---|---|---|
| Inconel 600 | — | High-temperature oxidation, caustic and nuclear service |
| SS 310 / 310S | ≈ 25 | Furnaces, burners and heat treatment at high temperature |
| Incoloy 800 / 800H / 800HT | — | Furnaces, petrochemical heaters and high-temperature piping |
| Inconel 625 | ≈ 51 | Seawater, high strength and high temperature in one alloy |
Inconel 600 standards by product
Buying Inconel 600: what to specify
- The product standard and the UNS or designation — for example ASTM B168 UNS N06600.
- Size, thickness or schedule, and quantity in pieces and kg or metres.
- Heat-treatment condition where the standard offers a choice.
- Certificate: EN 10204 3.1 as standard, 3.2 if a third party must witness.