INCONEL 600

Industries and Applications

Aerospace Industry: Inconel 600 is widely used in aircraft components, including jet engine exhaust systems, afterburner parts, and high-temperature engine components. Its excellent temperature resistance ensures the longevity and reliability of these critical parts.

Chemical Processing: The alloy’s corrosion resistance makes it ideal for equipment used in chemical processing plants, including heat exchangers, evaporators, and reactors. Inconel 600 can withstand the harsh chemical environments found in these applications.

Power Generation: Inconel 600 is used in nuclear reactors, steam generators, and superheaters for its exceptional resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments.

Heat-Treating Equipment: This alloy’s ability to maintain its strength at high temperatures makes it perfect for various heat-treating equipment, such as retorts, muffles, and conveyor belts. 

Key Properties of Inconel 600

Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Inconel 600 is highly resistant to a wide range of corrosive environments, including alkaline solutions, sulfur compounds, and chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking. Its chromium content imparts superior resistance to both oxidizing and reducing conditions, making it a preferred choice for challenging environments.

Impressive High-Temperature Strength: The alloy can withstand temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C) while maintaining its mechanical properties. This strength makes it an ideal material for applications where high temperatures are encountered, such as heat-treating equipment, furnace components, and jet engines.

Excellent Weldability: Inconel 600 exhibits excellent weldability and can be readily joined using conventional welding techniques, including gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).

Superior Oxidation Resistance: This alloy’s high chromium content enables it to form a stable oxide layer, which provides excellent resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. This property is vital in applications like gas turbines and chemical processing equipment.

Fabrication and Heat Treatment 

Inconel 600 is not easy to work with, but with appropriate method and tooling, fabrication can be successful. Some popular method for Inconel 600 fabrication include:

Welding: Inconel 600 can be weld using Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Metal Inert Gas (MIG), and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) techniques. When welding, it important to choose correct filler metal, such as Inconel 82, for best result.

Forming: Forming Inconel 600 can be challenging, as it is strong and hard metal. But, with right temperature and slow speed, cold or hot forming can be done. Annealing must happen after forming to relieve stress and make material more stable.

Machining: Machining Inconel 600 require special tools and technique. Using high-speed steel or cobalt tool, with slow cutting speed and hard lubricant, can help in machining process. It important to control temperature and avoid work hardening.

Heat Treatment of Inconel 600 Heat treatment help improve mechanical property and stability of Inconel 600. Some common heat treatment method include:

Annealing: Annealing Inconel 600 done by heating metal to temperature between 1700-1900°F (925-1040°C). Hold it at this temperature for time, then cool down in furnace or air. This process help to relieve stress and make material more ductile.

Stress Relieving: Stress relieving perform after welding, forming, or machining to reduce residual stress in metal. To do this, heat Inconel 600 to 1100-1500°F (590-815°C) and hold for 1 hour per inch of thickness. Then, cool in air or furnace.

Aging: Aging Inconel 600 can improve hardness and strength. To age, heat material to 1325°F (720°C) and hold for 16 hours, then cool in air.

Inconel 600 – Applicable Specifications

Common Trade Names

The registered trademark for Inconel 600 is INCONEL® and it’s produced by the Special Metals Corporation group of companies.