Inconel 601

Key Features:

  1. Inconel 601 offers excellent Oxidation, Scaling & Aqueous corrosion resistance
  2. High temperature strength and ductility
  3. Spalling, Carburization and heat Resistance
  4. Ideal for aerospace, aviation and land based gas turbines
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About Inconel 601

Inconel 601 is a nickel-chromium alloy with added aluminum, designed for high-temperature oxidation resistance, carburization resistance, and excellent mechanical strength. It is widely used in industrial heating, chemical processing, and aerospace applications where extreme heat and corrosive environments are present. It is available in the form of Wire, Bar, Rod, Strip/Tape.

Inconel 601 Industrial Nomenclatures:  Nickel-Chromium Alloy; Werkstoff Nr. 2.4851, UNS N06601, Pyromet 601, NiCrofer 601

Key Properties of Inconel 601:

  1. Chemical Composition (Typical wt.%)
Element Percentage Role
Nickel (Ni) 58-63% Base metal, provides corrosion resistance
Chromium (Cr) 21-25% Enhances oxidation & sulfidation resistance
Iron (Fe) Balance (~14%) Stabilizes structure, lowers cost
Aluminum (Al) 1.0-1.7% Forms a protective oxide layer (Al₂O₃)
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.10% Affects high-temperature strength
  1. Key Characteristics

✔ Exceptional Oxidation Resistance – Performs well up to 1250°C (2282°F) due to a protective Cr₂O₃ + Al₂O₃ scale. 

✔ Resistance to Carburization & Sulfidation – Ideal for petrochemical and furnace applications. 

✔ Good Mechanical Strength – Maintains structural integrity at high temperatures. 

✔ Excellent Thermal Stability – Resists thermal fatigue and cyclic heating. 

✔ Weldability & Fabricability – Can be welded (TIG, MIG) and formed, though post-weld annealing may be needed. 

Applications of Inconel 601 

  1. Industrial Furnaces & Heat Treatment

– Radiant tubes, muffles, and furnace rollers 

– Heat exchanger tubing (resists scaling and carburization) 

  1. Chemical & Petrochemical Processing

– Catalyst grids, reactor internals 

– Exhaust systems in sulfur-rich environments 

  1. Aerospace & Power Generation

– Combustion chambers, afterburner components 

– Gas turbine parts (seals, flame holders) 

  1. Automotive & Pollution Control

– Exhaust manifolds, thermal reactors 

Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature, Annealed Condition) 

Property Value
Tensile Strength 655 MPa (95 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 310 MPa (45 ksi)
Elongation (%) 40%
Hardness (Rockwell B) ~75 HRB

Comparison with Other Superalloys 

Property Inconel 601 Inconel 600 Inconel 617 Inconel 718
Primary Strengthening Solid solution + Al₂O₃ layer Solid solution Solid solution & carbides γ” (Ni₃Nb) precipitation
Max Temp (°C) 1250 1100 1000 700
Oxidation Resistance Excellent Good Very Good Moderate
Key Applications Furnace parts, chemical processing Nuclear reactors, cryogenics Gas turbines, nuclear Aerospace, oil & gas

 Advantages & Limitations 

 ✔ Advantages 

– Superior oxidation resistance at very high temperatures (up to 1250°C). 

– Resists carburization, sulfidation, and nitriding. 

– Good fabricability and weldability. 

 ✖ Limitations 

– Lower mechanical strength compared to precipitation-hardened alloys like Inconel 718. 

– Not ideal for highly corrosive acidic environments (better suited for oxidizing conditions). 

Conclusion 

Inconel 601 is a high-performance nickel-chromium alloy optimized for extreme heat and oxidation resistance, making it ideal for industrial furnaces, chemical processing, and aerospace applications. While it lacks the ultra-high strength of precipitation-hardened alloys like Inconel 718, its thermal stability and corrosion resistance make it indispensable in high-temperature environments. 

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