
UNS N06600 (universally designated as Inconel 600 / DIN 2.4816 / NiCr15Fe) is a foundational nickel-chromium-iron superalloy. It is a solid-solution strengthened alloy designed for applications requiring high structural stability, oxidation resistance, and corrosion immunity spanning from extreme cryogenic zones up to 1093C (2000F).
While Inconel 601 features added aluminum to handle high-temperature cyclic flaking, Inconel 600 relies on an ultra-high nickel base to withstand heavily reducing environments and prevent halogenous (chloride-ion) attacks.
The prominent engineering attribute of UNS N06600 is its 72% Minimum Nickel content. In chemical and nuclear engineering, standard austenitic stainless steels (like 316L) are vulnerable to catastrophic Chloride Stress-Corrosion Cracking (SCC) in hot, high-pressure aqueous environments. The massive nickel concentration in Inconel 600 renders the alloy virtually immune to this failure mechanism.
Nickel (Ni): 72.0% Minimum (Provides the base stability and SCC immunity)
Chromium (Cr): 14.0 17.0% (Provides high-temperature oxidation and acid passivation)
Iron (Fe): 6.0 10.0%
Manganese (Mn): 1.0% Maximum
Carbon (C): 0.15% Maximum
Silicon (Si): 0.5% Maximum
Copper (Cu): 0.5% Maximum
UNS N06600 round bars cannot be hardened by thermal treatment; they are hardened exclusively by cold-working. For high-temperature or highly corrosive environments, bars are typically specified in the Annealed condition (to resolve internal stresses and achieve consistent grain uniformity).
Primary Bar Specifications:ASTM B166 / ASME SB166 (Rods, Bars, and Wires), AMS 5665 (Aerospace Standard)
Forging Standard: ASTM B564 / ASME SB564
Dimensional Range: Readily available from cold-drawn bright wires/rods (3 mm) to massive hot-finished or forged turned shafts (up to 500 mm+).
Surface Finishes Available: Black hot-rolled/forged, peeled/rough turned, cold-drawn centerless ground, or high-accuracy mirror polished.
Environmental/Oilfield Compliance: NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 compliant.
Density: $8.47 text{ g/cm}^3$ ($0.306 text{ lb/in}^3$)
Melting Range: 1354C 1413C (2470F 2575F)
Tensile Strength: $ge$ 550 to 655 MPa (80 to 95 ksi)
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): $ge$ 240 to 310 MPa (35 to 45 ksi)
Elongation at Break: $ge$ 35% to 45% (Highly ductile in the annealed state)
Magnetic Permeability: 1.01 at 200 Oersted (Non-magnetic down to cryogenic ranges)
Nuclear Engineering: A standard material of construction for nuclear reactor steam generator tubing, tubesheets, and structural internal components due to its resistance to high-purity water corrosion.
Chemical Processing: Process equipment handling fatty acids, sodium sulfide manufacture, and systems processing dry chlorine ($Cl_2$) or hydrogen chloride ($HCl$) gases at elevated temperatures.
Thermal Processing & Furnaces: Retorts, muffles, roller hearth components, and heat-treating baskets/trays where carburizing or nitriding atmospheres are present.
Aerospace: Engine exhaust liners, turbine seals, and lockwire.
Machining Work-Hardening: Like all high-nickel alloys, 2.4816 work-hardens rapidly during cutting operations. It is best machined in the annealed state. Ensure high-rigidity setups, use heavy, continuous positive feeds, sharp carbide inserts, and a high volume of sulfur-free chlorinated coolants.
Welding Characteristics: Demonstrates excellent weldability via Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). It does not experience post-weld cracking.
Consumables Matrix:
TIG/MIG Wire: Matching Inconel Filler Metal 82 (AWS A5.14 ERNiCr-3)
Stick Electrode: Matching Inconel Welding Electrode 182 (AWS A5.11 ENiCrFe-3)
Price: