Inconel 600 vs. 601 Sheets & Plates: Comparison & Selection Guide
Gnee Steel
Inconel 600 vs. 601 Sheets & Plates: Comparison & Selection Guide
In the field of high-nickel alloys, choosing between Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) and Inconel 601 (UNS N06601) plates is one of the most common dilemmas faced by engineers and purchasing managers. While both are based on nickel-chromium alloys, their performance differs significantly in specific industrial environments.
Choosing the wrong alloy grade can lead to premature equipment failure or unnecessary cost overruns. This comparative analysis aims to provide a clear comparison of industry standards, ensuring you make a cost-effective choice that balances safety and return on investment.
Gnee Steel
Is Inconel 601 magnetic?
Inconel 601 sheets exhibit excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance over extremely high temperature ranges. It is non-magnetic and possesses excellent mechanical properties. Inconel 601 sheets have high strength, good processability, and weldability.
1.Specification of Inconel 600/601 Sheets
| Grade | Inconel 600 | UNS N06600, Inconel 601 | UNS N06601 |
| Standard | ASTM B168 / ASME SB168 |
| Thickness | 0.1mm To 12 mm |
| Size | 1000 mm x 2000 mm, 1220 mm x 2440 mm, 1500 mm x 3000 mm, 2000 mm x 2000 mm, 2000 mm x 4000 mm |
| Finish | Hot rolled plate (HR), Cold rolled sheet (CR), 2B, 2D, BA NO(8), SATIN (Met with Plastic Coated) |
| Form | Sheets, Plates, Coils, Slatting Coils, Perforated Coils, Foils, Rolls, Plain Sheet, Shim Sheet, Strip, Flats, Blank (Circle), Ring (Flange) |
| Hardness | Soft, Hard, Half Hard, Quarter Hard, Spring Hard etc. |
| Applications | Off-Shore Oil Drilling Companies, Power Generation, Petrochemicals, Gas Processing, Specialty Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Equipment, Chemical Equipment, Sea Water Equipment, Heat Exchangers, Condensers, Pulp and Paper Industry |
2.Chemical Composition of Inconel 600/601 Plates
| Grade | Ni | Fe | C | Mn | Si | Cu | Cr | S | Mo | Co | Al | Ti | Nb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 72.0 min | 6.0 - 10.0 | 0.15 max | 1.0 max | 0.5 max | 0.5 max | 14.0 - 17.0 | 0.015 max | - | - | - | - | - |
| 601 | 58.0 – 63.0 | Balance | 0.10 max | 1.0 max | 0.50 max | 1.0 max | 21.0 – 25.0 | 0.015 max | 8.0-10.0 | - | 1.0 – 1.7 | - | - |
The main difference lies in the addition of aluminum (Al) to the Inconel 601 plate.
Inconel 600 plate: Higher nickel content (approximately 72%), resulting in excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking and alkaline solution corrosion.
Inconel 601 plate: Slightly lower nickel content (approximately 60%), but with the addition of 1.0% to 1.7% aluminum. This allows the alloy to form a stable and dense oxide layer (alumina), thus protecting the metal at extreme temperatures.
3.Mechanical Properties Of Inconel 600/601 Sheets
| Grade | Tensile (psi) | .2% Yield (psi) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 95,000 | 45,000 | 40 |
| 601 | 80,000 | 30,000 | 35 |
📊 Download the 600 vs 601 Comparison Table (PDF)
4. Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 sheet material temperature and environmental decision matrix
Where should your budget go? Gnee Steel's recommended selection logic:
| Feature | Inconel 600 (UNS N06600) | Inconel 601 (UNS N06601) |
| Max Service Temp (Air) | Up to 1093°C (2000°F) | Up to 1180°C (2150°F) |
| Best For | Caustic soda, high-purity water, ammonia. | Industrial furnaces, radiant tubes, muffles. |
| Corrosion Focus | Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC). | Superior Oxidation & Carburization resistance. |
| Price Index | Generally higher (due to higher Ni content). | More cost-effective for thermal processing. |
5. Cost-Effective Selection: Avoid Over-Design
As a Tier 1 Inconel supplier, our advice to the purchasing team is simple:
If your application primarily involves aqueous (liquid) environments or high concentrations of alkaline/corrosive chemicals at moderate temperatures, choose Alloy 600 plate. Its high nickel content is essential for these environments.
For hot-working applications, choose Alloy 601 plate. If your parts are exposed to air or oxidizing gases above 1000°C, Alloy 601 plate is not only "better," but actually more cost-effective because it has a significantly longer service life than Alloy 600 plate.
🛠️ Please consult our professionals to understand your specific application needs.
6. Quality Assurance and Global Logistics
Regardless of the grade of material you choose, sourcing from a reliable manufacturer is crucial for project success. We offer:
Complete Certification: Each sheet comes with a factory test certificate (EN 10204 3.1 MTC).
Standard Compliance: All materials comply with ASTM B168 / ASME SB168 specifications.
In Stock: We maintain a large inventory of 600 and 601 materials for fast delivery to Germany, Italy, Brazil, and worldwide.
Gnee Steel 601 Alloy EN 10204 3.1 MTC
7. Summary: Final Conclusion
Inconel 600: The "Corrosion Resistant" Choice for the Chemical and Nuclear Industries.
Inconel 601: The "High Temperature" Mainstay for Industrial Heating and Aerospace.
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 Nickel Based Alloy 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
Contact us for the latest export price quote for Inconel 601 sheet metal
FAQ
Q: Can I use Inconel 601 instead of Inconel 600 in corrosive environments?
A: We do not recommend doing so. Inconel 600 has a high nickel content of 72% and is designed for corrosion resistance. In highly alkaline environments, Inconel 601 may fail prematurely.
Q: Why is Inconel 601 generally cheaper than Inconel 600?
A: Nickel is the most expensive component. Because Inconel 601 has a slightly lower nickel content (replaced by chromium and aluminum), the raw material cost is generally lower, making it an economical choice for high-temperature applications.
Q: Do you offer custom sizes for both grades?
A: Yes. We offer precision laser cutting and shearing services for Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 sheets, delivering near-net-shape parts directly to your processing site.
Q: Is Inconel 601 magnetic?
A: Inconel 601 sheet metal exhibits excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance over extremely high temperature ranges. It is non-magnetic and possesses excellent mechanical properties. Inconel 601 sheet metal is high in strength, machinable, and weldable.
Q: Is Inconel 600 magnetic?
A: Inconel 600 is non-magnetic, possesses excellent mechanical properties, combines high strength with good machinability, and is easy to weld. The 600 alloy exhibits the cold-forming characteristics typically associated with chromium-nickel stainless steel.
Q: Is Inconel 600 machinable?
A: The 600 alloy can be machined in both hot-worked and annealed states. Due to the significant heat generated during machining of this alloy, high-speed steel tools, cast non-ferrous metal tools, or carbide tools should be used. The tools should be kept sharp.
Q: How well is Inconel 601 machinable?
A: A notable characteristic of Inconel 601 alloy is its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation. The alloy also has good resistance to water corrosion, high mechanical strength, and is easy to form, process and weld.
