Inconel 600 vs Inconel 601 - Full Comparison for Furnace & Heat-Treat Service
Date: 2026年9月1日 Categories: News Views: 340
By Shanghai Hangbo Alloy Group Co., Ltd. - China Supplier | ISO 9001:2015 | Est. 2012
Contact: sales@hangboalloy.com | hangbo@nickel-alloy.com | WhatsApp (Lisa): +86 13611656360
Quick Answer: What Is the Difference Between Inconel 600 and Inconel 601?
Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) and Inconel 601 (UNS N06601) are both nickel-chromium furnace alloys, but 601 was developed specifically for superior oxidation and scaling resistance. The difference is aluminum: 601 contains 1.0-1.7% Al, which forms a protective Al2O3 scale at high temperature — giving it dramatically better oxidation resistance above 1000C and better cyclic oxidation performance. 600 (no aluminum) relies on Cr2O3 scale and excels in carburization, chlorination, and caustic environments up to 1000C. Rule: oxidation/furnace service → 601; carburizing/chlorinating/caustic service → 600.
Composition Comparison (wt.%)
| Element | Inconel 600 (N06600) | Inconel 601 (N06601) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 72 min | 58-63 |
| Chromium | 14-17 | 21-25 |
| Aluminum | -- | 1.0-1.7 |
| Iron | 6-10 | Balance (~14%) |
| Carbon | 0.15 max | 0.10 max |
High-Temperature Performance Comparison
| Property | Inconel 600 | Inconel 601 |
|---|---|---|
| Max continuous service | ~1100C | ~1200C |
| Oxidation resistance (1000C+) | Good | Excellent |
| Cyclic oxidation | Moderate | Excellent |
| Carburization resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Chlorination resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Caustic (NaOH) resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Creep strength (900C) | Moderate | Moderate |
Mechanical Properties (Annealed, RT)
| Property | Inconel 600 | Inconel 601 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 550-690 MPa | 550-700 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 205-345 MPa | 205-345 MPa |
| Elongation | 35-50% | 30-45% |
Which One for Your Application?
| Application | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace muffles & retorts | 601 | Oxidation + scaling |
| Radiant tubes (gas-fired) | 601 | Cyclic oxidation |
| Heat-treat baskets | 601 | Long scale life |
| Carburizing furnace parts | 600 | Carburization resistance |
| Caustic evaporators | 600 | Caustic resistance |
| Thermocouple sheaths | 600 | Stable, formable |
| Nitriding furnace parts | 600 | NH3 resistance |
Price Comparison (2026, EXW)
| Form | Inconel 600 | Inconel 601 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet/Plate | \$28-42/kg | \$32-48/kg |
| Round Bar | \$30-45/kg | \$34-52/kg |
| Tube | \$38-58/kg | \$42-62/kg |
601 is typically 10-15% more expensive due to higher Cr and Al content.
FAQ
Q1: Which is better for oxidation resistance, 600 or 601?
601 — its 1.0-1.7% aluminum forms a protective Al2O3 scale.
Q2: Which is better for carburizing atmospheres?
600 — higher nickel content resists carbon pickup.
Q3: Can Inconel 600 be used at 1200C?
Not recommended — use 601 for continuous service up to ~1200C.
Q4: Are they weldable?
Both are easily weldable with matching filler (ENiCrFe-2/3 for 600, ERNiCr-3 works for both).
Q5: What are the UNS numbers?
N06600 = Inconel 600; N06601 = Inconel 601.
Q6: Which is more expensive?
601 is typically 10-15% more.
Q7: Which for furnace radiant tubes?
601, for cyclic oxidation and scaling resistance.
Q8: What does Shanghai Hangbo supply?
Both grades in sheets, plates, bars, and tubes with EN 10204 3.1 certification. SGS/TUV/BV available.
Contact & Complete Product Range
Shanghai Hangbo Alloy Group Co., Ltd. - China Supplier
Email: sales@hangboalloy.com | WhatsApp (Lisa): +86 13611656360 | www.nickel-alloy.com
All Grades
Ni: NI200-N6 | Monel: 400-502, K-500, R-405 | Inconel: 600-740H, X-750, 725 | Incoloy: 800-27-7MO | Hastelloy: C-276-HYBRID-BC1, N | Super Austenitic: 904L-AL-6XN | Chromium-Rich: Alloy 33 | High-Strength Stainless: Nitronic 50/60, PH13-8Mo | Chlorination: Alloy 45 | Nimonic: 75-263 | Haynes: 25-HR-160 | RA: 330/333 | Precision: 1J22-4J45 | High-Strength: 18Ni250-AerMet100 | Heating: Cr20Ni80/60 | Specialty: Alloy 20-602CA
Product Forms: Bars(6-500mm) | Tubes(OD 6-610mm) | Plates(0.1-100mm) | Forgings | Welded Pipes | Fittings | Wire(0.05-10mm) | Strip(0.02-4.0mm)
SGS/BV/TUV. www.nickel-alloy.com
