Alloy 601 / UNS N06601 / W.Nr. 2.4851
Inconel 601
Inconel 601, also known as alloy 601, is a nickel-chromium based material widely utilized in various industries due to its exceptional resistance to heat and corrosion. This alloy boasts high resistance to high temperature oxidation and maintains its structural integrity even under extreme thermal cycling conditions. The tightly adherent oxide scale formed by Inconel 601 makes it resistant to spalling and further improves its corrosion resistance.
Inconel 601’s high mechanical strength and ductility make it a preferred choice in the thermal processing, chemical processing, pollution control, aerospace, and power generation industries. Its excellent formability, machinability and weldability also make it an ideal material for a wide range of applications. However, it is not recommended for use in highly reducing or sulfur-bearing environments.
Industries and Applications
Inconel 601, also known as Alloy 601, is a high-performance nickel-chromium alloy known for its exceptional resistance to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion. Its unique properties make it useful in a variety of applications across multiple industries.
Chemical Process Industry
Inconel 601 is widely used in the chemical process industry for heaters, condensers, and trays. Its resistance to corrosion and high-temperature oxidation make it ideal for use in harsh chemical environments.
Heat-Treat Industry
The heat-treat industry also utilizes the properties of Inconel 601 for various furnace fixtures, such as muffle, retorts, and baskets. Its resistance to thermal fatigue and high nickel content make it an excellent choice for these high-temperature applications.
Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry utilizes Inconel 601 for various components, including exhaust liners, air-frame parts, and turbine seals. Its high-temperature resistance and corrosion resistance make it an ideal choice for use in the demanding environments of aerospace applications.
Nuclear Industry
Inconel 601 is also used in the nuclear industry because of its resistance to corrosion in high-purity water. Its high nickel content provides excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, making it an ideal choice for use in nuclear reactors and other high-stakes applications.
Resistance to Corrosion
Alloy 601 is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion. The alloy contains a minimum of 58% nickel which makes it resistant to many organic and inorganic compounds. This high nickel content not only offers good corrosion resistance in reducing conditions but also lowers the risk of stress corrosion cracking in the annealed condition. The increased chromium content in Inconel 601 enhances its high temperature resistance to sulfur compounds and oxidizing compounds in corrosive media.
One of the key features of Inconel 601 is its exceptional resistance to alkalies. It is one of the few materials that can withstand strong solutions of magnesium chloride at elevated temperatures, providing roughly 1 mpy corrosion resistance in MgCl2. It is important to note that Inconel 601 is more susceptible to corrosion in high-chloride environments compared to other nickel-based alloys. In such cases, material for severe service should be fully stress-relieved prior to use.
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Fabrication of Inconel 601
Inconel 601 can be hot or cold formed using typical fabrication processes. Hot working should be performed between 1600°F and 2250°F, avoiding any work between 1200°F and 1600°F as the ductility decreases in this temperature range. Cold working can be performed, but the alloy’s hardening rate is higher compared to 304 stainless steel and lower compared to mild steel.
Welding Inconel 601
Inconel 601 can be welded using shielded metal-arc welding with AWS ENiCrFe-3 electrode or TIG and MIG welding with filler metal AWS ERNiCr-3. Welding should be performed with heavy-duty equipment and proper cutting fluids.
Heat Treatment of Inconel 601
Annealing of Inconel 601 can be performed at 1850°F for 15 minutes at temperature without excessive grain growth. Fine grain material typically has better corrosion resistance and higher tensile, fatigue and impact properties. Inconel 601 is an austenitic nickel-chromium alloy and retains its ductility after heat treatment, making it ideal for high-temperature applications where ductility is critical.
Inconel 601 – Applicable Specifications
| Form | ASTM | ASME | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
Inconel 601 Sheet/Plate |
B168 | SB168 | AMS 5580 |
Inconel 601 Bar |
B166 | SB166 | AMS 5715 |
Inconel 601 Tube/Pipe |
B167 | SB167 | AMS 5580 |
Inconel 601 Wire |
B166 | SB166 | AMS 5715 |
Inconel 601 Forging |
B564 | SB564 | AMS 5766 |
Common Trade Names
The common trade name for Inconel 601 or Alloy 601 is INCONEL®. INCONEL® is a registered trademark of the Special Metals Corporation group of companies.
Key Properties
(in annealed condition)
| Tensile strength: | 880 MPa |
| Yield strength: | 550 MPa |
| Elongation: | 35% |
| Hardness: | 40-50 HRC |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Composition |
|---|---|
| Nickel | 58.0 – 63.0 |
| Chromium | 21.0 – 25.0 |
| Iron | Balance |
| Manganese | 1.0 max |
| Carbon | 0.10 max |
| Sulfur | 0.015 max |
| Aluminum | 1.0 – 1.7 |
| Silicon | 0.5 max |
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