Inconel 600 vs Inconel 601: Same Ni-Cr-Fe base — 601 adds Al for superior oxidation resistance
Inconel 600 vs Inconel 601
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
Inconel 600
2.4816
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy — the standard engineering material for combined heat and corrosion resistance. Not precipitation hardenable. Virtually immune to chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking. Service from cryogenic to 1095°C. Used for furnace components, nuclear steam generators, chemical plant equipment, and food processing.
Inconel 601
2.4851
Nickel-chromium-iron alloy with aluminum for outstanding high-temperature oxidation resistance up to 1200°C. The Al forms a protective oxide scale resistant to spalling under cyclic thermal conditions. Better oxidation resistance than Inconel 600 (which lacks Al). Used for furnace hardware (baskets, trays, fixtures), radiant tubes, thermocouple protection tubes, catalyst support grids, and thermal reactors in automotive exhaust systems.
| Inconel 600 | Inconel 601 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 2.4816 | 2.4851 |
| Category | Nickel Alloys | Nickel Alloys |
| Standard | ASTM B168 | EN 10095 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | Inconel 600 | Inconel 601 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.15% | 0–0.1% | OK |
| Si | 0–0.5% | 0–0.5% | OK |
| Mn | 0–1% | 0–1% | OK |
| S | 0–0.015% | 0–0.015% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | Inconel 600 | Inconel 601 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 550 | 550–750 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 240 | 205–310 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 30 | 30–50 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
Inconel 601 has 1.0-1.7% Al forming a protective Al2O3 scale, giving far better oxidation resistance above 1000°C. Inconel 600 has better resistance to reducing environments and is cheaper. Choose 601 for high-temp oxidizing (furnace hardware); 600 for reducing/carburizing environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Inconel 600 the same as Inconel 601?
Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 have a 75% composition overlap. Same Ni-Cr-Fe base — 601 adds Al for superior oxidation resistance
Can I replace Inconel 600 with Inconel 601?
In many cases, yes. The compositions overlap significantly (75%). However, always verify mechanical property requirements and heat treatment compatibility for your specific application.
What is the difference between Inconel 600 and Inconel 601?
The main differences are in the following elements: Cr, Ni. Inconel 600 is a Nickel Alloys grade, while Inconel 601 is a Nickel Alloys grade.
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