Genenal Introduction

Alloy 600 is a nickel-chromium-iron, solid solution strengthened alloy with good oxidation resistance at higher temperatures, with good resistance in carburizing and chloride containing environments.This alloy also displays good heat resistance and freedom from aging or stress corrosion throughout the annealed to heavily cold worked condition range.

Alloy 600 is non-magnetic, has excellent mechanical properties and a combination of high strength and good workability and is readily weldable. Inconel® Alloy 600 exhibits cold forming characteristics normally associated with chromium-nickel stainless steels.

Chemical Composition:

Forms & Standard

Average Physical Properties

Typical Mechanical Properties:

Applications

Resistance to Corrosion

With 72% minimum nickel, this alloy is resistant to many organic and inorganic compounds and also offers good corrosion resistance in reducing conditions. The high nickel content lowers the chances for stress corrosion cracking for this alloy in the annealed condition. The high nickel content also improves resistance to carburizing, nitriding and thermal fatigue, while maintaining an austenitic structure so it retains ductility. Increased chromium in the alloy offers high temperature resistance to sulfur compounds as well as resistance to oxidizing compounds at elevated temperatures or in corrosive media. Alloy 600 has excellent resistance to alkalies and is one of the few materials suitable for use in strong solutions of magnesium chloride at elevated temperatures. Typical corrosion in MgCl₂ is roughly 1 mpy. When applicable, material for severe service should be fully stress relieved prior to use.

Fabrication and Heat Treatment

Alloy 600 can be hot or cold formed using typical processes. Hot working should be performed between 1600°F and 2250°F, avoiding any work between 1200°F and 1600°F as the ductility decreases in this temperature range. The cold work hardening rate is less than 304 stainless steel yet higher than mild steel. Welding alloy 600 can be achieved via shielded metal-arc welding using AWS ENiCrFe-3 electrode. Filler metal AWS ERNiCr-3 can be used when TIG and MIG welding. Alloy 600 is slightly more machinable compared to 304 stainless steel and should be performed with tooling large enough to handle the loads. Alloy 600 machining requires heavy-duty equipment along with sharp tooling and proper cutting fluids. Annealing of alloy 600 without excessive grain growth can be performed at 1850°F for 15 minutes at temperature. Fine grain material typically has better corrosion resistance and higher tensile, fatigue and impact properties.