The difference between AISI 347LN stainless steel and nickel 600
AISI 347LN is an iron-based stainless steel whose main components are chromium and nickel; while nickel-based alloy 600 is a nickel-based alloy with a nickel content exceeding 72%. The main difference between the two lies in their basic composition: stainless steel contains a large amount of iron, while alloy 600 has a much higher nickel content, making it a true nickel alloy. This fundamental difference leads to differences in performance; for example, in certain environments, alloy 600 exhibits superior high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance compared to 347LN stainless steel.
What is the difference between SS 347 and 304 stainless steel?
304 stainless steel exhibits good corrosion resistance in most environments, but 347 stainless steel performs even better in high-temperature or strongly acidic environments. Tantalum can enhance the corrosion resistance of 347 stainless steel in high-temperature environments.
AISI 347LN stainless steel is a high-nitrogen heat-resistant material with excellent intergranular corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength. Its corrosion resistance is enhanced by the addition of nitrogen (N) and niobium (Nb), making it suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure environments such as those in the nuclear and chemical industries. Its chemical composition includes 17%-19% chromium (Cr), 9%-13% nickel (Ni), and ≤0.08% carbon (C), exhibiting good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in the manufacture of pressure vessels, valves, and high-temperature components.
Nickel 600 (Inconel 600) is a nickel-chromium-iron-based solid solution strengthened alloy. Its main components include nickel (≥72%), chromium (14-17%), and iron (6-10%). This alloy exhibits excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation and corrosion, forming a dense oxide film at temperatures up to 1200°C to resist corrosion from chloride ions, nitric acid, and alkaline solutions. Nickel 600 is widely used in high-temperature corrosion environments such as nuclear reactors, aerospace engine components, petrochemical equipment, and heat treatment furnaces. Its physical properties include a density of 8.43 g/cm³, a melting point of 1370-1430℃, a yield strength of 240 MPa, and a tensile strength of 550 MPa, making it suitable for manufacturing oxidation-resistant parts that withstand low loads below 1100℃.
Chemical Composition Comparison: AISI 347LN Stainless Steel vs Nickel 600
| Element | AISI 347LN (UNS S34751) Stainless Steel | Nickel 600 (UNS N06600) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.0 – 13.0 % | ≥ 72.0 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.0 – 20.0 % | 14.0 – 17.0 % |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance (≈ 62 – 68 %) | 6.0 – 10.0 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 % | ≤ 1.0 % |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 % | ≤ 0.50 % |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 % | ≤ 0.15 % |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 – 0.16 % | – |
| Niobium (Nb) | 8 × C min, ≤ 1.0 % | – |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 % | – |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 % | ≤ 0.015 % |
| Copper (Cu) | – | ≤ 0.50 % |
| Aluminum (Al) | – | ≤ 0.30 % |
| Titanium (Ti) | – | ≤ 0.30 % |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | – | – |
| Cobalt (Co) | – | – |
| Other Elements | – | ≤ 0.30 % |
AISI 347LN Stainless Steel
Composition: Contains chromium (17-19%) and nickel (9-13%), as well as niobium/niobium (Cb) to stabilize its structure and prevent carbide precipitation. The "LN" in 347LN indicates "low carbon," with a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, resulting in better weldability compared to standard 347.
Nickel 600 (Alloy 600)
Composition: Contains over 72% nickel, with chromium (14-17%) and iron as the main alloying elements.
Key Properties Comparison: AISI 347LN Stainless Steel vs Nickel 600
| Property | AISI 347LN (UNS S34751) Stainless Steel | Nickel 600 (UNS N06600) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Class | Austenitic stainless steel (stabilized with Nb) | Nickel‑chromium alloy |
| Stabilization | Niobium‑stabilized (prevents sensitization) | Not stabilized (low‑C version available) |
| High‑Temperature Use | Good up to ~870 °C (intergranular corrosion resistant) | Excellent up to ~1095 °C (continuous service) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in oxidizing acids (HNO₃), good in general environments | Excellent in both oxidizing and reducing media, outstanding in chlorides |
| Chloride SCC Resistance | Good (better than 304/316 due to Nb stabilization) | Excellent (one of the best nickel alloys for chloride SCC) |
| Oxidation Resistance | Good up to ~870 °C | Excellent up to ~1095 °C |
| Mechanical Strength (Room Temp) | Tensile: 515–690 MPa, Yield: 205–310 MPa | Tensile: 550–690 MPa, Yield: 240–350 MPa |
| High‑Temp Strength Retention | Moderate (strength drops above ~600 °C) | Very good (maintains strength to ~980 °C) |
| Cryogenic Toughness | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weldability | Excellent (no post‑weld heat treatment required) | Excellent (no post‑weld heat treatment required) |
| Magnetic Response | Non‑magnetic (austenitic) | Slightly magnetic (1.01–1.10 μ) |
| Hardness (Annealed) | 150–200 HB | 65–90 HRB |
| Typical Applications | Chemical tanks, heat exchangers, furnace parts, welded constructions | Furnace components, chemical reactors, nuclear steam generators, marine heat exchangers |
| Key Advantage | Good high‑temperature stability, resistant to intergranular corrosion | Superior high‑temperature strength and chloride corrosion resistance |
AISI 347LN Stainless Steel
Main Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance due to the stabilizing effect of niobium, especially in corrosive and high-temperature environments.
Nickel 600 (Alloy 600)
Main Characteristics: Excellent corrosion resistance in a variety of corrosive media, and maintains outstanding strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures.
Comparison of AISI 347LN Stainless Steel and Nickel 600 (Alloy 600) Applications
AISI 347LN Stainless Steel
Applications: Widely used in chemical, aerospace, and other industrial fields requiring good performance at high temperatures.
Nickel 600 (Alloy 600)
Applications: Suitable for demanding applications such as high-temperature chemical processing, nuclear reactor components, and aerospace parts.
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
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📦 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 also supplies custom Inconel 600 products in various sizes and specifications. Please send us your drawings for a quote!
