Inconel 600
A nickel-chromium-iron alloy for high-temperature service
Typical values for the temper in the title
Inconel 600 contains at least 72% nickel, 14–17% chromium and 6–10% iron. The high nickel gives very high resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking, and the chromium gives oxidation resistance at high temperatures.
It is used in furnace parts, heat-treatment equipment, the chemical and nuclear industries, and where heat and corrosion combine. It is not hardenable by heat treatment.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 550-690 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 170-345 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 30-47% | |
| Hardness | 120-185 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 214 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 8.47 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 35% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ni nickel | min 72.0 | stress corrosion resistance |
| Cr chromium | 14.0–17.0 | oxidation resistance |
| Fe iron | 6.0–10.0 | |
| C carbon | max 0.15 | |
| Mn manganese | max 1.0 | |
| Si silicon | max 0.5 | |
| Cu copper | max 0.5 |
Ranges per Special Metals and Daido data (UNS N06600).
Conditions and heat treatment
A solid-solution alloy: it is not hardened by heat treatment, and is supplied annealed or cold worked.
| Condition | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Annealed | ductile | most uses |
| Cold worked | higher strength | springs and high-strength parts |
Applications
- Furnace parts and heat-treatment equipment
- Chemical equipment
- Nuclear industry
- Hot tubing and heat exchangers
- Engine parts
Fabrication
Welding
Welds well by TIG and MIG. Careful cleaning before welding is especially important: oil, paint or sulfur on the surface cause weld cracking.
Machining
Nickel alloys work harden, stay strong when hot, and wear tools. Use low speed, a steady feed that does not "rub", sharp rigid tools and plenty of coolant.
Heat
Resists oxidation up to high temperatures in air. In sulfur-bearing atmospheres when hot it is sensitive, because of the high nickel.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inconel 625 | 827–1034 / 414–758 MPa | Excellent — ERNiCrMo-3 | with molybdenum and niobium: stronger and more resistant · material page |
| 310 / 310S | 515–620 / 205–310 MPa | Good — ER310 | a heat-resistant stainless, cheaper · material page |
| Hastelloy X | 785 / 360 MPa | Excellent | for higher heat · material page |
Common mistakes
Using it in hot sulfur-bearing gases
Nickel-rich alloys are attacked by sulfur at temperature.
Assuming it is heat-treatable
It strengthens only by cold work.
Choosing 600 for harsh seawater
625 has better pitting resistance.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| EN | 2.4816 (NiCr15Fe) |
|---|---|
| JIS | NCF600 |
| Standards | ASTM B168 / AMS 5540 |
| Forms | plate · rod · pipe |
| Producers | Special Metals · VDM |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and the mill certificate. Sources: ASTM (B127, B164, B168, B443, B575, B619 and others), Special Metals and Haynes data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database. Inconel and Monel are trademarks of Special Metals, and Hastelloy of Haynes International.
Updated: October 31, 2026