Nickel 601 vs Nickel 617 Alloy
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Nickel 601 vs Nickel 617 Alloy
Nickel 601 alloy possesses excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance and carburization resistance, making it ideal for furnace components; while nickel 617 alloy, with the addition of cobalt and molybdenum, exhibits superior high-temperature strength and creep resistance, making it more suitable for demanding aerospace and gas turbine applications. Although both are excellent high-temperature nickel alloys, the main difference lies in the fact that nickel 617 alloy, due to the addition of specific alloying elements, has higher strength at extreme temperatures; while nickel 601 alloy excels in its stability and anti-fouling properties in oxidizing atmospheres.
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What is the difference between alloy 601 and 602?
Alloy 601 vs. 602CA
Both alloys perform well at extreme temperatures, but Alloy 602CA offers superior protection and strength in harsher thermal and chemical environments. Alloy 601 remains a reliable and cost-effective choice for many hot-oxidizing applications.
Chemical Composition of Nickel Alloy 601 vs Nickel Alloy 617
| Element | Nickel Alloy 601 (UNS N06601) Content (%) | Nickel Alloy 617 (UNS N06617) Content (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 58.0 - 63.0 | 44.5 min (Balance) |
| Chromium | 21.0 - 25.0 | 20.0 - 24.0 |
| Iron | ≤ 14.0 | ≤ 3.0 |
| Cobalt | - | 10.0 - 15.0 |
| Molybdenum | - | 8.0 - 10.0 |
| Aluminum | 1.0 - 1.7 | 0.8 - 1.5 |
| Titanium | - | ≤ 0.6 |
| Carbon | ≤ 0.10 | 0.05 - 0.15 |
| Manganese | ≤ 1.5 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Silicon | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Copper | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 0.5 |
| Sulfur | ≤ 0.015 | ≤ 0.015 |
| Phosphorus | - | ≤ 0.015 |
| Boron | - | ≤ 0.006 |
| Other Elements | - | ≤ 0.5 |
Nickel Alloy 601 (Inconel 601)
Composition: Nickel-chromium alloy, containing aluminum.
Advantages: Excellent high-temperature oxidation resistance, good carburization resistance, and good resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking.
Nickel Alloy 617 (Inconel 617)
Composition: Nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy, containing aluminum.
Advantages: Excellent high-temperature strength, creep rupture strength, and superior oxidation/corrosion resistance, providing exceptional performance even under extremely harsh conditions.
Mechanical Properties of Nickel Alloy 601 vs Nickel Alloy 617
| Property | Nickel Alloy 601 (Typical) | Nickel Alloy 617 (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 655 MPa (95 ksi) | 750 MPa (109 ksi) |
| Tensile Strength, Yield (0.2% Offset) | 310 MPa (45 ksi) | 345 MPa (50 ksi) |
| Elongation at Break | 45% (in 50 mm) | 45% (in 50 mm) |
| Reduction of Area | 45% | 45% |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 85 HRB | 90 HRB |
| Hardness, Brinell | 180 HB | 200 HB |
Corrosion Resistance of Nickel Alloy 601 vs Nickel Alloy 617
| Environment / Condition | Nickel Alloy 601 (UNS N06601) Resistance | Nickel Alloy 617 (UNS N06617) Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent up to 1250°C; forms protective Cr₂O₃ and Al₂O₃ scales | Excellent up to ~1100°C; forms stable Cr₂O₃-based scales, suitable for high-pressure steam/air |
| Carburization Resistance | Very good in carburizing atmospheres; stable in heat-treating environments | Excellent; superior resistance in highly carburizing and nitriding gases at elevated temperatures |
| Sulfidation Resistance | Good in sulfur-bearing atmospheres; resists attack from H₂S and SO₂ at high temperatures | Very good; performs well in sulfidizing and reducing sulfur environments |
| Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (Cl-SCC) | Resistant in most chloride-containing environments; limited in highly concentrated hot chloride solutions | Excellent; highly resistant to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking |
| Acid Resistance | Good in oxidizing acids (e.g., nitric acid); poor in reducing acids (e.g., hydrochloric, sulfuric) | Good in dilute sulfuric and phosphoric acids; poor in hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids |
| Alkali Resistance | Good in dilute alkalis; may corrode in hot concentrated or molten alkalis | Good in alkaline environments; stable in moderate caustic solutions |
| High-Temperature Corrosion in Gaseous Environments | Excellent in air, combustion gases, and steam atmospheres | Superior in complex gases containing sulfur, carbon, and chlorine at high temperatures |
Applications of Nickel Alloy 601 vs Nickel Alloy 617
| Industry/Sector | Nickel Alloy 601 (UNS N06601) Applications | Nickel Alloy 617 (UNS N06617) Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Treating & Furnace | Radiant tubes, furnace muffles, retorts, baskets, trays, annealing covers, roller hearths | High-temperature furnace fixtures, heat treatment trays, carburizing baskets, sintering belts |
| Chemical Processing | Catalyst support grids, nitric acid production equipment, combustion chambers, reactor internals | High-temperature reactors, reformer tubes, pyrolysis furnaces, heater tubes in aggressive environments |
| Petrochemical & Refining | Pyrolysis tubes, burner nozzles, flare tips, thermowells, reformer components | Steam methane reformer tubes, ethylene cracking coils, hydrogen heater tubes, high-pressure vessels |
| Power Generation | Superheater tube supports, heat shields, combustion liners in gas turbines, boiler internal components | Gas turbine combustors, transition ducts, flame holders, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) components |
| Aerospace | Combustion can liners, afterburner components, thermal barrier support structures, exhaust system parts | Jet engine combustors, afterburner liners, thrust reversers, high-temperature fasteners and brackets |
Nickel Alloy 601 (Inconel 601)
Best uses: Suitable for applications requiring the formation of a strongly adherent oxide layer, resistance to thermal shock, and resistance to carburizing environments, such as furnace components, heat treatment baskets, and kiln linings.
Nickel Alloy 617 (Inconel 617)
Best uses: Suitable for high-stress, high-temperature applications in the aerospace and power generation industries, such as jet engine components, gas turbine blades, and petrochemical processing equipment.
Summary of the main differences between Alloy 601 and Inconel 617 alloy
Strength: Due to the presence of cobalt and molybdenum, Alloy 617 has significantly higher strength than Alloy 601 at high temperatures.
Application focus: Alloy 601 is suitable for oxidizing/carburizing environments (furnace applications), while Alloy 617 is suitable for applications requiring both strength and corrosion resistance (aerospace, gas turbines).
Alloy composition: Alloy 617 contains added cobalt and molybdenum to enhance its properties, making it a higher-performance superalloy than Alloy 601.
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
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All stainless steel products are packaged using the following methods:
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About Gnee Steel
Gnee Steel is a professional manufacturer of nickel-based alloys, including Nickel 201, Nickel 202, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy C-22, Hastelloy B, Hastelloy C-4, Inconel 600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Inconel X-750, Incoloy 800, Incoloy 800H/HT, Incoloy 825, Monel 400, Monel K500, and other high-temperature alloy materials. We specialize in the production and sales of alloy materials. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in aerospace, chemical, power generation, automotive, nuclear energy, and other fields, and we can provide customized alloy material solutions according to customer needs. For inquiries about alloy material prices or customized alloy material solutions, please feel free to contact us via email at ss@gneesteel.com for a quote.
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