Inconel 601 Sheet and Plate: Price List
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Imagine a material so resilient that it can withstand the blistering temperatures of jet engines and the harsh environments of chemical processing plants. This is the remarkable world of Inconel 601, a high-performance alloy renowned for its exceptional oxidation resistance and mechanical strength. Engineers and researchers across industries turn to Inconel 601 for solutions to their most demanding challenges, but what exactly makes this alloy so indispensable? In this article, we’ll delve into the intricate chemical composition that gives Inconel 601 its unique properties, explore its impressive performance under extreme conditions, and uncover the wide range of applications where it excels. Ready to discover why Inconel 601 is the go-to choice for high-temperature environments? Let’s dive in.
Inconel 601, also known as UNS N06601, is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy renowned for its exceptional resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. This makes it an invaluable material in various high-demand industrial environments.
Inconel 601 was developed to meet the need for materials that could endure extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions, and it has since been refined and tested for optimal performance in various applications.
Inconel 601 excels in resisting oxidation at high temperatures, maintaining its strength and integrity up to 1250°C. This is largely due to the formation of a tightly adherent oxide layer that protects the material from further oxidation.
In addition to its high-temperature performance, Inconel 601 offers excellent resistance to various corrosive environments. This includes resistance to aqueous corrosion, making it suitable for use in chemical processing and other industries where exposure to corrosive media is common.
Inconel 601 is known for its high mechanical strength, which it retains even at elevated temperatures. This property is crucial for applications that require materials to maintain structural integrity under significant thermal stress.
Due to its unique properties, Inconel 601 is used in a variety of demanding applications, including:
Inconel 601 is composed of a balanced mix of nickel, chromium, and iron, along with small amounts of aluminum, carbon, manganese, sulfur, silicon, and copper, ensuring high metallurgical stability and outstanding performance.
Inconel 601 is known for its excellent formability and fabricability. It can be readily machined, welded, and formed into various shapes, making it a versatile material for complex engineering applications.
Inconel 601 is a high-performance alloy that offers unparalleled resistance to heat and corrosion. Its unique combination of properties makes it an essential material in several critical industries, ensuring reliability and durability in some of the most demanding environments.
Inconel 601 is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy known for its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation and its mechanical strength. The alloy’s chemical composition is meticulously designed to provide optimal performance in demanding environments.
Nickel (58.00% – 63.00%) is the primary element, providing excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength. Chromium (21.00% – 25.00%) enhances resistance to oxidation and corrosion, especially at high temperatures. Aluminum (1.00% – 1.70%) contributes to the formation of a protective oxide layer on the surface, which helps prevent further oxidation and degradation. Carbon (up to 0.10%) is present in small amounts to improve the alloy’s strength and hardness. Manganese (up to 1.00%) aids in deoxidizing the alloy and improves its hot-working properties. Sulfur (up to 0.015%) is kept to a minimum to maintain the alloy’s ductility and toughness. Silicon (up to 0.50%) enhances the oxidation resistance and deoxidation during the melting process. Copper (up to 1.00%) improves the alloy’s resistance to certain types of corrosion. Iron is the balancing element, providing the necessary structural stability and strength.
Inconel 601 is renowned for its outstanding resistance to oxidation and corrosion. The alloy forms a tightly adherent oxide layer, which protects it from further attack by various corrosive agents. This makes Inconel 601 particularly suitable for high-temperature applications where it can resist oxidation up to 1250°C.
In addition to its remarkable corrosion and oxidation resistance, Inconel 601 also boasts impressive mechanical strength, even at elevated temperatures. This strength is crucial for applications that demand materials to maintain their structural integrity under significant thermal stress.
Inconel 601 is easy to work with, as it can be welded using conventional techniques and machined with standard methods, although it requires durable tools due to its strength. This versatility is beneficial for manufacturing a wide range of components.
Inconel 601 has a face-centered cubic (FCC) solid solution structure, which provides a high degree of metallurgical stability. This stability ensures that the alloy maintains its mechanical properties and resistance to oxidation and corrosion over prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Inconel 601’s carefully balanced chemical composition and exceptional properties make it an ideal choice for high-temperature and corrosive environments. Its ability to maintain strength and resist oxidation and corrosion under extreme conditions is highly valued in industries such as aerospace, chemical processing, and power generation.
Inconel 601 is known for its impressive mechanical properties, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications. Let’s explore some of its key attributes.
The tensile strength of Inconel 601 ranges from 80,000 psi (550 MPa) to 120,000 psi (827 MPa), depending on heat treatment and condition. This high tensile strength ensures that the material can endure significant mechanical loads and stresses, making it suitable for demanding industrial environments.
Inconel 601’s yield strength varies between 30,000 psi (205 MPa) and 55,000 psi (380 MPa), while its elongation ranges from 30% to 45%. These properties ensure the alloy maintains its shape under stress and can stretch significantly without breaking. This high ductility allows the alloy to absorb substantial amounts of stress and strain without fracturing, which is particularly beneficial in applications involving thermal cycling and mechanical deformation.
The hardness of Inconel 601 can range from 85 HRB to 160 HRB, depending on the specific heat treatment and condition. Hardness is a critical property for wear resistance, ensuring that the material can withstand abrasive and erosive environments. The varying hardness levels of Inconel 601 allow for customization based on specific application requirements.
Inconel 601 performs exceptionally well at high temperatures, maintaining its properties up to 1250°C (2282°F). Its high melting point of around 1,370°C (2,500°F) further enhances its suitability for extreme environments.
Inconel 601 demonstrates excellent resistance to creep and stress rupture at high temperatures. Creep resistance is the ability of a material to resist deformation under prolonged exposure to high stress and temperature. The alloy’s superior creep resistance ensures long-term stability and reliability in applications such as furnace components and gas turbine engines.
The fatigue resistance of Inconel 601 allows it to endure cyclic loading conditions without significant wear or failure. This property is essential for components subjected to repeated mechanical stresses, such as those found in aerospace and power generation applications.
Inconel 601 possesses good impact toughness, which is the ability of the material to absorb energy and resist fracture under sudden loads or impacts. This property is vital for ensuring the durability and reliability of components exposed to dynamic and impact forces.
In summary, Inconel 601 boasts high tensile and yield strength, excellent elongation, and impressive performance at high temperatures. Its resistance to creep, stress rupture, fatigue, and impact make it a versatile choice for challenging applications. These mechanical properties make Inconel 601 a reliable material for a wide range of high-temperature and high-stress environments, ensuring long-term performance and durability.
Inconel 601 is widely used in thermal processing and industrial heating because of its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation and strong mechanical properties. Typical applications include:
The chemical processing industry benefits from Inconel 601’s resistance to both oxidation and aqueous corrosion, making it ideal for process heaters, condenser tubes in sour-water strippers, and insulating cans in ammonia reformers.
In petrochemical processing, Inconel 601 is valuable for its durability and resistance to harsh conditions, making it suitable for catalyst regenerators and air preheaters in polyethylene production.
In the aerospace industry, Inconel 601 is used in jet-engine components such as igniters, combustion-can liners, and diffuser assemblies due to its stability at high temperatures and strong mechanical properties. The alloy is also used in containment rings for gas turbines in aircraft, industrial, and vehicular applications, where reliability under extreme conditions is essential.
Inconel 601 serves a critical role in power generation, especially in high-temperature environments:
Pollution control systems benefit from Inconel 601’s resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments:
Inconel 601 is also used in high-velocity gas burners, wire mesh belts, and as refractory anchors in high-temperature furnaces, where its durability and resistance to oxidation are essential.
In summary, the unique combination of high-temperature oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength makes Inconel 601 a versatile material for numerous industrial, aerospace, and power generation applications.
When comparing Inconel 601 to other high-performance alloys, several key factors come into play, including chemical composition, strength, oxidation resistance, and applications. Here, we will examine how Inconel 601 stacks up against other popular alloys used in similar high-temperature and corrosive environments.
Inconel 601 has a higher chromium content compared to Inconel 600, enhancing its oxidation resistance. Inconel 601 contains 58.0-63.0% nickel and 21.0-25.0% chromium, with 1.0-1.7% aluminum, which gives it superior oxidation resistance compared to Inconel 600. Inconel 600, with 72.0-76.0% nickel and 14.0-17.0% chromium, lacks significant aluminum content. Both alloys have similar strength and durability, but Inconel 601 is more suitable for extreme environments due to its enhanced oxidation resistance.
In terms of applications, Inconel 600 is often used in less severe high-temperature environments, while Inconel 601 is preferred for more demanding applications requiring superior oxidation resistance.
Hastelloy X has a lower nickel content compared to Inconel 601. Inconel 601 contains 58.0-63.0% nickel and 21.0-25.0% chromium, while Hastelloy X has 47.0-52.0% nickel and 20.5-23.0% chromium. Hastelloy X also includes 8.0-10.0% molybdenum and 1.5-2.5% cobalt, which are absent in Inconel 601. These elements provide additional strength at high temperatures, making Hastelloy X generally exhibit higher tensile and yield strengths.
For applications, Hastelloy X is favored in aerospace for turbine engine components, while Inconel 601 is widely used in thermal processing and chemical processing due to its balance of properties.
Stainless Steel 310 has a lower nickel content and slightly higher chromium content compared to Inconel 601. Inconel 601 contains 58.0-63.0% nickel and 21.0-25.0% chromium, while Stainless Steel 310 has 19.0-22.0% nickel and 24.0-26.0% chromium. Stainless Steel 310 does not contain aluminum, which contributes to Inconel 601’s superior oxidation resistance. Inconel 601 generally provides higher strength at elevated temperatures.
Regarding applications, Stainless Steel 310 is often used in less severe high-temperature applications, such as furnace parts and heat exchangers. In contrast, Inconel 601 is chosen for more demanding environments requiring superior oxidation resistance.
Alloy 800H/HT has a lower nickel content compared to Inconel 601. Inconel 601 contains 58.0-63.0% nickel and 21.0-25.0% chromium, while Alloy 800H/HT has 30.0-35.0% nickel and 19.0-23.0% chromium. Alloy 800H/HT also includes 0.15-0.60% titanium and aluminum, contributing to its strength at high temperatures. Both alloys offer good oxidation resistance, but Inconel 601’s higher chromium content provides an edge in more extreme environments.
In terms of applications, Alloy 800H/HT is used in high-temperature structural applications, such as petrochemical processing, while Inconel 601 is preferred in environments with more severe oxidation conditions.
In summary, Inconel 601 stands out due to its balanced chemical composition, superior oxidation resistance, and strength at high temperatures, making it a versatile choice for various demanding industrial applications.
Inconel 601 is widely used in industrial furnaces because it resists oxidation and thermal cycling. Key applications include:
In heat treatment operations, Inconel 601 is essential for making baskets, trays, and fixtures. These items are vital in processes like carburizing, carbonitriding, and nitriding, thanks to the alloy’s ability to resist deformation and high-temperature oxidation.
In chemical processing, Inconel 601 is prized for its resistance to oxidation and corrosion. It is commonly used in process heaters and condenser tubes, enduring harsh environments in equipment like sour-water strippers. Additional applications include:
In the petrochemical industry, Inconel 601 is favored for its durability and resistance to harsh conditions:
In the aerospace industry, Inconel 601 plays a vital role, especially in gas turbines and jet engines. It is used for components like blades, containment rings, and combustion-can liners, valued for its stability at high temperatures and strong mechanical properties. Other applications include:
In power generation, Inconel 601 is crucial, particularly in high-temperature settings. It is used in superheater tube supports and grid barriers, where it resists thermal fatigue and maintains its structure. Additional uses include:
Pollution control systems benefit from Inconel 601’s high-temperature and corrosion resistance:
Inconel 601’s versatility extends to various other applications:
These case studies highlight the diverse and critical roles that Inconel 601 plays in various high-temperature and corrosive environments, demonstrating its versatility and reliability across multiple industries.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Inconel 601 is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy known for its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion, mechanical strength, and high-temperature stability. It features a tightly adherent oxide layer that withstands spalling in severe conditions up to 2200°F (1200°C). The alloy’s composition, including high chromium and aluminum content, enhances its performance in oxidizing and sulfur-bearing atmospheres. Additionally, Inconel 601 is easily fabricated and welded, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial, chemical, and aerospace applications, including thermal processing, chemical processing, pollution control, power generation, and aerospace components.
Inconel 601, also known as UNS N06601, is composed primarily of nickel (58.0 – 63.0%), chromium (21.0 – 25.0%), and iron (balance). Additionally, it contains aluminum (1.0 – 1.7%), carbon (up to 0.10%), manganese (up to 1.0%), sulfur (up to 0.015%), silicon (up to 0.50%), and copper (up to 1.0%). This specific combination of elements, particularly the high nickel and chromium content along with aluminum, provides Inconel 601 with exceptional resistance to high-temperature oxidation and aqueous corrosion, as well as excellent mechanical strength.
Inconel 601 is widely used in applications requiring high-temperature oxidation resistance and mechanical strength. Typical uses include components for the heat-treating industry such as trays, baskets, and fixtures, as well as radiant tubes and muffle furnaces. It is also employed in chemical processing for process heaters and catalyst support grids, in power generation for superheater tube supports and ash-handling systems, and in the aerospace sector for jet-engine components. Additionally, Inconel 601 is utilized in pollution control, petrochemical processing, and various other industrial applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
Inconel 601 performs exceptionally well in high-temperature oxidation due to its ability to form a tightly adherent oxide layer that resists spalling, even under cyclical heating and cooling conditions. This is largely attributed to its chemical composition, which includes substantial chromium and aluminum content. The aluminum enhances the oxidation resistance by forming a protective oxide film on the surface, maintaining the alloy’s integrity in high-temperature environments up to 2200°F (1200°C) or even 1250°C. This superior resistance to oxidation makes Inconel 601 ideal for various industrial applications requiring durability under extreme thermal conditions.
Inconel 601 boasts impressive mechanical properties, particularly at elevated temperatures. Its tensile strength ranges from 80,000 to 120,000 psi, while its yield strength varies between 25,000 and 55,000 psi. The alloy exhibits elongation of 30% to 45% and hardness between 70 and 160 HRB. Inconel 601 maintains mechanical strength at high temperatures, with ultimate tensile strength around 620.5 MPa at 538°C and 413.7 MPa at 649°C. The 0.2% yield strength at these temperatures is approximately 331 MPa and 282.7 MPa, respectively. These properties make it suitable for high-temperature applications in various industries.
