Alloy 600 / 601 nickel-chromium alloys

Alloy 600 and Alloy 601 (Inconel® / Incoloy® grades) are nickel-chromium alloys used for corrosion resistance and high-temperature service. While both are widely applied in thermal processing and chemical industry environments, they are optimized for different performance priorities: Alloy 600 (W.Nr. 2.4816 / UNS N06600) is a standard Ni-Cr-Fe alloy valued for broad corrosion resistance, strong mechanical properties and versatility across a very wide temperature range, whereas Alloy 601 (W.Nr. 2.4851 / UNS N06601) is designed for superior oxidation resistance at elevated temperature, supported by its higher chromium content and the addition of aluminium.

Alloy 600 is practically immune to chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking in many environments due to its high nickel content, and it shows good resistance in many organic and inorganic media. Chromium contributes resistance to sulphur compounds and oxidizing conditions, both at high temperature and in certain corrosive solutions. The alloy is not precipitation hardenable; strength can be increased through cold work. This makes Alloy 600 a proven choice for chemical processing equipment, heaters, distillation units and heat exchangers, where corrosion resistance and reliability are required.

Alloy 601 is often selected when oxidation resistance at high temperature is the key driver, for example in furnace parts, burner components and radiant tube applications. It also offers good resistance to many forms of corrosion, good mechanical strength and good fabricability. Final properties, exact chemical limits and required testing depend on the selected alloy, product form and applicable standard and are confirmed on the EN 10204 / 3.1 inspection certificate supplied with the delivery.

Chemical composition

ElementTypical range (wt. %)
Niper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (alloy-dependent)
Crper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (alloy-dependent)
Feper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Cper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Mnper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Siper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Alper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (primarily Alloy 601)
Sper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Pper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Cuper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (if applicable)

Exact melt composition is confirmed on the EN 10204 / 3.1 certificate for the supplied batch.

Mechanical properties

PropertyTypical value
Tensile strength (Rm)per standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (alloy & condition dependent)
Yield strength (Rp0.2)per standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate (alloy & condition dependent)
Elongation (A5)per standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Hardnessper standard / see EN 10204 3.1 certificate
High-temperature strengthper standard / project requirement (if specified)

Exact values are stated on the material certificate EN 10204 / 3.1.

Forms

Alloy 600 (2.4816 / UNS N06600) and Alloy 601 (2.4851 / UNS N06601) are available in multiple supply forms for thermal processing, chemical industry and piping applications. Availability depends on the selected alloy, required standard, delivery condition and inspection requirements.

  • Round bar
  • Forgings
  • Plates
  • Custom-cut plates / cut-to-size
  • Tubes (seamless or welded, depending on specification)
  • Flanges and fittings (on request, depending on standard)

Both alloys are typically supplied in annealed condition, with additional testing or special conditions available depending on specification.

Dimensions

Alloy 600 (W.Nr. 2.4816 / UNS N06600) round bar: 6 mm – 200 mm (other dimensions on request)

Alloy 600 forgings / plates / cut-to-size / tubes: on request

Alloy 601 (W.Nr. 2.4851 / UNS N06601) round bar: 6 mm – 80 mm (other dimensions on request)

Alloy 601 forgings / plates / cut-to-size / tubes: on request

Availability depends on product form, specification and inspection requirements.

Centerless ground shafts

Centerless grinding available on request. Provide diameter, tolerance, straightness and surface finish requirements to ensure the correct processing route.

Applications

  • Furnace parts, heat treatment equipment and thermal processing components
  • Chemical processing equipment, heaters, distillation units and heat exchangers (Alloy 600)
  • High-temperature oxidation environments, burner parts and radiant tubes (Alloy 601)
  • Corrosion-resistant parts exposed to many organic and inorganic media (Alloy 600)
  • Industrial fasteners, fixtures and high-temperature hardware
  • Piping components such as tubes, flanges and fittings (depending on standard)

FAQ – Alloy 600 / 601

What is the main difference between Alloy 600 and Alloy 601?

Alloy 600 (2.4816 / UNS N06600) is typically chosen for broad corrosion resistance and good mechanical strength in many industrial media. Alloy 601 (2.4851 / UNS N06601) is designed for superior oxidation resistance at high temperature, supported by its alloying concept with higher chromium and the addition of aluminium. Selection should be based on service temperature, atmosphere and the dominant corrosion mechanism.

Is Alloy 600 resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking?

Alloy 600 has high nickel content and is often considered very resistant to chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking in many environments. Final performance depends on temperature, stress level and the specific medium, so material selection should be validated for critical cases.

Is Alloy 600 precipitation hardenable?

No. Alloy 600 is not precipitation hardenable. Strength can be increased mainly through cold work (deformation). Delivered condition and mechanical values are defined by the applicable standard and are confirmed on the EN 10204 / 3.1 certificate.

Why is Alloy 601 used for high-temperature oxidation service?

Alloy 601 is optimized for high-temperature oxidation resistance. In many furnace and thermal process atmospheres, it forms a stable protective oxide layer that improves scaling resistance compared to alloys with lower chromium and without aluminium. The applicable service temperature depends on the environment and design code.

Which product forms and sizes can you supply?

Alloy 600 is commonly supplied as round bar in sizes 6–200 mm and Alloy 601 as round bar in sizes 6–80 mm, with other dimensions on request. Both alloys are also available as forgings, plates, cut-to-size and tubes on request, depending on specification and inspection requirements.

Do you supply tubes, flanges and fittings?

Tubes (seamless or welded, depending on specification) can be supplied for both alloys. Depending on project requirements, flanges and fittings to ASTM/ASME or EN standards may be available on request. Please specify the required standard, size range and wall thickness class.

Do you supply certificates for Alloy 600 / 601?

Yes. Material can be supplied with EN 10204 / 3.1 certification. The certificate confirms chemical analysis, mechanical test results (where applicable) and the delivered condition, ensuring traceability and compliance.

Can you deliver precision bar for shafts or fasteners?

Yes. We can supply round bar and, on request, centerless ground shafts for tight tolerances and improved surface finish. Provide diameter, tolerance, straightness and surface requirements to ensure the correct production route.

Documents & requests

Certificates: EN 10204 / 3.1

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