Alloy 600 is a nickel-chromium-iron, solid solution strengthened alloy used for applications that require corrosion and elevated temperature resistance. Service temperatures for alloy 600 can be from cryogenic to 2000°F. This alloy also has good workability, weldability and high strength.
Alloy 600: Why It’s Trusted in Extreme Environments → Read our Alloy Insights blog post
The unique properties of alloy 600 make it useful in various applications across several industries. Chemical process industry applications include heaters, condensers and trays. Heat-treat industry applications include muffles, retorts, baskets and other furnace fixtures. Aerospace industry applications include exhaust liners, turbine seals and air-frame components. Alloy 600 is also used in the nuclear industry because of its resistance to corrosion in high purity water.
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.
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.
INCONEL® alloy 600
INCONEL® is a registered trademark of the Special Metals Corporation group of companies.
Alloy 600 Available Forms:
| (Ni+Co) Nickel + Cobalt | 72.0 min |
| (Cr) Chromium | 14.0 to 17.0 |
| (Fe) Iron | 6.00 to 10.00 |
| (Mn) Manganese | 1.00 max |
| (Si) Silicon | 0.50 max |
| (Cu) Copper | 0.50 max |
| (C) Carbon | 0.15 max |
| (S) Sulfur | 0.015 max |
| Form1 | ASTM | ASME | Other |
| Bar | B166, B5642 | SB166, SB5642 | AMS 56653 |
| Seamless Tube & Pipe | B167 | SB167 | – |
| Welded Tube | B516 | SB516 | – |
| Welded Pipe4 | B517 | SB517 | – |
1All Material to be supplied in the annealed condition. 2Dual certified to ASTM B564 & ASME SB564 for product 3.500″ diameter and larger. 3Chemistry only. 4All welded pipe ≥6.000″ X-Ray inspected per ASME Section VIII, Division 1, #UW-51.
Alloy 600 (UNS N06600) is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy known for its excellent combination of corrosion resistance, high-temperature performance, and mechanical strength. It is commonly used in aerospace, nuclear, chemical processing, and heat-treating applications. Read our Alloy Insights blog post on Alloy 600 to learn more.
Alloy 600 performs effectively across a wide temperature range, from cryogenic conditions up to approximately 2,000°F (1,093°C). This versatility makes it suitable for components exposed to both extreme cold and prolonged high-temperature service.
Alloy 600 is frequently used in aerospace, nuclear power generation, chemical processing, and heat-treating industries. Typical applications include turbine seals, exhaust liners, furnace fixtures, condensers, and corrosion-resistant process equipment.
Its high nickel content helps resist stress corrosion cracking and many organic and inorganic compounds, while chromium enhances resistance to oxidation and corrosive environments at elevated temperatures. This combination provides reliable performance in harsh operating conditions.
Yes. Alloy 600 offers good workability and weldability and can be hot or cold formed using conventional methods. It is commonly welded using AWS ENiCrFe-3 electrodes or ERNiCr-3 filler metals for TIG and MIG processes.
Alloy 600 maintains strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance under sustained heat and thermal cycling. Its resistance to oxidation, carburization, nitriding, and thermal fatigue makes it a trusted material for demanding, elevated-temperature environments.
The information shown on this page is intended to be used as a guide and may be revised at any time without prior notice. The information is believed to be reliable and accurate, however Corrosion Materials does not make any warranty or assume any legal liability with respect to the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information.
The information shown on this page is intended to be used as a guide and may be revised at any time without prior notice. The information is believed to be reliable and accurate, however Corrosion Materials does not make any warranty or assume any legal liability with respect to the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information.
