Hangbo Alloy Group
Shanghai · Est. 2012
N06601 technical guide: nominal chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, corrosion resistance, welding, product forms and ASTM standards...
Inconel 601 (UNS N06601) is a nickel-chromium alloy. Aluminium-strengthened Ni-Cr for oxidation to 1200 °C. Excellent carburisation and nitridation resistance. This guide covers its nominal chemical composition, typical mechanical and physical properties, corrosion behaviour, welding, common applications, available product forms and the ASTM standards that apply — everything a specifier needs to evaluate Inconel 601 for a project.
Inconel 601 belongs to the nickel-chromium alloy class of materials. It is aluminium-strengthened ni-cr for oxidation to 1200 °c. It is excellent carburisation and nitridation resistance. It is weldable without post-weld heat treatment.
Nominal (wt%) composition of Inconel 601 (UNS N06601):
| Element | Composition (wt%) |
|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 58.0 – 63.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 21.0 – 25.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Aluminium (Al) | 1.0 – 1.7 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.50 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
Typical physical properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.11 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1290 – 1370 °C |
| Thermal Expansion (20–1000 °C) | 14.7 µm/m·K |
| Thermal Conductivity (100 °C) | 11.4 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 1.18 µΩ·m |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 206 GPa |
| Specific Heat | 448 J/kg·K |
Typical room-temperature mechanical properties (annealed / specified condition unless noted):
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 760 MPa (110 ksi) |
| Yield Strength, 0.2% (Rp0.2) | 345 MPa (50 ksi) |
| Elongation in 50 mm | 40% |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 75 – 85 HRB |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Service temperature (continuous) | Up to 1180 °C |
| Oxidation limit (air) | ≈ 1200 °C |
The 1.0–1.7 % aluminium addition forms a tight, adherent Al2O3 scale that gives 601 excellent resistance to oxidation, scaling and carburisation up to about 1200 °C. It also resists nitridation and resists sulfur-bearing atmospheres better than many lower-aluminium Ni-Cr alloys, making it a work-horse for heat-treatment and thermal-process hardware.
Readily welded by GTAW, GMAW, SMAW and SAW using matching filler ERNiCrFe-11 (AWS A5.14) or ENiCrFe-11 covered electrodes. Low carbon keeps the heat-affected zone immune to sensitisation, so post-weld heat treatment is normally unnecessary.
The grade is supplied to the following common specifications:
| Standard | Product Form / Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM B166 | Bar, Rod & Wire |
| ASTM B167 | Seamless Pipe & Tube |
| ASTM B168 | Plate, Sheet & Strip |
| ASTM B564 | Forgings |
| ASME SB-166/167/168 | Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code |
Standards & References. Specifications cited on this page; confirm current revisions with the issuing body.
General references: Nickel Institute · AMPP (corrosion) · SAE International · ASTM International
Inconel 601 is used continuously up to about 1180 °C and resists oxidation in air to roughly 1200 °C. Its 1–1.7 % aluminium content forms a protective alumina scale that outperforms plain Ni-Cr alloys in scaling, carburising and nitriding environments.
Yes. It is welded with GTAW/GMAW/SMAW/SAW using matching ERNiCrFe-11 filler. The low carbon level prevents sensitisation in the heat-affected zone, so post-weld heat treatment is normally not required.
601 adds 1–1.7 % aluminium and slightly more chromium than 600, giving it markedly better high-temperature oxidation and carburisation resistance. 600 is chosen more for general corrosion and caustic service; 601 is the high-temperature specialist.
In the annealed condition tensile strength is about 760 MPa, yield 345 MPa, elongation 40 %, and hardness 75–85 HRB. Properties are maintained far better than stainless steels at elevated temperature.
Product forms are covered by ASTM B166 (bar/rod/wire), B167 (seamless pipe/tube), B168 (plate/sheet/strip) and B564 (forgings), with ASME equivalences for pressure equipment.
It resists sulfidation and sulfur-bearing gases better than many Ni-Cr alloys, which is why it is used in pyrolysis tubing, burners and petrochemical thermal hardware. Very aggressive, high-velocity sulfidation still needs a higher-aluminium grade.
As a dedicated nickel alloy manufacturer serving power generation, aerospace, chemical processing sectors, Hangbo Alloy Group supplies the grades discussed here across all standard product forms with full ASTM/ASME documentation and EN 10204 3.1 certification. Our material is specified for applications where corrosion resistance, high-temperature strength, and traceable quality are non-negotiable. See our production & testing facilities for more on how every heat is verified.