Incoloy 800 alloy vs. Inconel 600: Comparative Analysis
Both Incoloy 800 and Inconel 600 are nickel-based alloys, but Incoloy 800, due to its higher iron content, superior oxidation resistance, and higher creep and fracture strength, is more suitable for high-temperature applications, such as furnaces and heat exchangers. In contrast, Inconel 600 is better suited for general corrosive environments and applications requiring high strength at lower temperatures, such as chemical processing and aerospace, because it has better resistance to a variety of corrosive media, including reducing acids.
What is the difference between Inconel 600 and Incoloy 800H?
Inconel is a nickel-chromium alloy, typically containing more than 50% nickel; while Incoloy is a nickel-iron-chromium alloy, containing less than 50% nickel. Incoloy 800 has a higher iron content and a lower nickel content, while Inconel 600 is cheaper.
Inconel 600 and Incoloy 800 are both commonly used high-temperature alloys with similar properties. However, Inconel 600 outperforms Incoloy 800 in almost every aspect. In contrast, Incoloy 800 is less expensive and can replace Inconel 600 in some applications.
Inconel 600
INCONEL (nickel-chromium-iron) alloy 600 (UNS N06600 / W.Nr. 2.4816) is a standard engineering material suitable for applications requiring corrosion and heat resistance. This alloy also possesses excellent mechanical properties, combining high strength with good machinability.
Incoloy 800
INCOLOY alloy 800 (UNS N08800 / W.Nr. 1.4876) is a widely used material in the manufacture of equipment requiring corrosion resistance, heat resistance, high strength, and stability, with a maximum operating temperature of 816°C (1500°F). Alloy 800 exhibits good corrosion resistance to a variety of aqueous media and, due to its nickel content, resists stress corrosion cracking. At high temperatures, it possesses good resistance to oxidation, carburization, and sulfidation, as well as excellent fracture strength and creep strength.
Chemical Composition Comparison: Inconel 600 vs. Inconel 800
| Element | Inconel 600 (%) | Inconel 800 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| S (Sulfur) | ≤ 0.015 | ≤ 0.015 |
| Si (Silicon) | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 1.00 |
| C (Carbon) | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.10 |
| Mn (Manganese) | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 1.50 |
| Al (Aluminum) | - | 0.15 - 0.60 |
| Ti (Titanium) | - | 0.15 - 0.60 |
| Cu (Copper) | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.75 |
| Fe (Iron) | 6.0 - 10.0 | ≥ 39.5 |
| Cr (Chromium) | 14.0 - 17.0 | 19.0 - 23.0 |
| Ni (Nickel) | ≥ 72.0 | 30.0 - 35.0 |
Corrosion resistance comparison between Inconel 600 and Incoloy 800
| Element | Inconel 600 (%) | Inconel 800 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Ni (Nickel) | ≥ 72.0 | 30.0 - 35.0 |
| Cr (Chromium) | 14.0 - 17.0 | 19.0 - 23.0 |
| Al (Aluminum) | - | 0.15 - 0.60 |
To reduce costs, Incoloy 800 contains more iron. In contrast, Incoloy 800 has a lower nickel content than Inconel 600. The lower nickel content inevitably leads to a decrease in the material's corrosion resistance.
To mitigate this effect, Incoloy 800 contains more chromium to improve its oxidation resistance. Incoloy 800 also contains a small amount of aluminum, which further enhances its high-temperature corrosion resistance.
Overall, Inconel 600 exhibits better oxidation resistance than Incoloy 800.
| Inconel 600 | Incoloy 800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Density, g/cm³ | 8.47 | 7.94 |
| Density, lb/in.³ | 0.306 | 0.287 |
| Melting Range, °F | 2470-2575 | 2475-2525 |
| Melting Range, °C | 1354-1413 | 1357-1385 |
| Curie Temperature, °F | -192 | -175 |
| Curie Temperature, °C | -124 | -115 |
Applications
The unique properties of Incoloy 800 and Inconel 600 make them suitable for various applications.
Incoloy 800
Incoloy 800 possesses excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, making it widely used in extremely harsh chemical environments, including nuclear fuel, acids, wet scrubbing, and reactive furnace atmospheres. Due to its excellent resistance to salt water, high chlorides, seawater, and acid gases, Incoloy 800 is also popular in the oil and gas industry.
Inconel 600
On the other hand, Inconel 600 is commonly used in high-pressure and extreme-temperature environments. Upon heating, it forms a thick and stable oxide layer, making it ideal for demanding applications in the food, heat-treated components, chemical, and aerospace industries.
Why Choose Gnee as Your Nickel-Based Alloy Supplier
✅ Over 18 years of export experience, products sold to more than 80 countries
✅ Certified by ISO, SGS, and BV
✅ Global inventory of Inconel, Hastelloy, Incoloy, and Monel alloy tubing, plates, and bars
✅ Custom processing services available – including cutting, polishing, CNC machining, and packaging
✅ Fast delivery within 7-15 days, supported by global logistics partners
📦 Packaging and Shipping
All stainless steel products are packaged using the following methods:
Wooden pallets or crates
Moisture-proof packaging
Labels with furnace number, standard, and size labels
Shipped worldwide by sea, air, or express
Gnee Steel is a supplier of GH4169 alloy, offering a wide range of products including: seamless pipe (sizes: 4-219 mm; thickness: 0.5-20 mm); welded pipe (sizes: 5.0-1219.2 mm; thickness: 0.5-20 mm); plates (thickness: 0.1 to 100 mm; width: 10-2500 mm); strips; alloy round bars (diameter: 3-800 mm); flat bars (thickness: 2-100 mm; width: 10-500 mm); hexagonal bars (size: 2-100 mm); wire rods; and extruded profiles. We collaborate with steel mills to provide our customers with GH4169 alloy products that meet or exceed numerous leading industry standards, including ASTM, ASME, SAE, AMS, ISO, DIN, EN, and BS standards.
Gnee Steel stocks and sells GH4169, pipes, plates, strips, round bars, flat bars, forged billets, hexagonal steel, wire rods, and extruded profiles. Please feel free to contact us at ss@gneesteel.com for a quote.
