Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 are very common superalloys. Both alloys have good high temperature properties. Among them, Inconel 601 added more chromium on the basis of Inconel 600. So their main difference is the difference in antioxidant properties.

In this article, we will compare the similarities and differences between the two alloys in several aspects.

From the composition above, it can be seen that Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 have the same standards for sulfur, silicon and manganese control. Sulfur, silicon and manganese are in most cases harmful elements for superalloys. They greatly affect the instantaneous and creep properties of the alloy. The purity of both alloys is very good, with the same level of instantaneous performance and creep performance.

As can be seen from the composition, the nickel content of Inconel 601 is less than that of Inconel 600. In contrast, it has more chromium content. And added some aluminum elements.

Nickel element can play a very good role in corrosion resistance of alloys. However, this anti-corrosion effect has relatively limited resistance to oxidative environments.

Chromium is a very good antioxidant element. Chromium can form an oxide film on the surface of the metal when it is in contact with oxygen. This oxide film hinders further oxidation of the alloy. This is why chromium is added to almost all superalloys.

The large amount of chromium in Inconel 601 ensures that its oxidation resistance (especially high temperature oxidation resistance) is much better than that of Inconel 600. The added aluminum element can also increase the oxidation resistance of the alloy. The graph below shows a comparison of the antioxidant properties of Inconel 600 and Inconel 601.

Figure 1
Results of cyclic oxidation tests at 2000°F (1095°C). Cycles consisted of 15 min heating and 5 min cooling in air.

Both Inconel 600 and 601 are solid solution strengthened alloys. With the exception of nickel, chromium, and aluminum, the chemical compositions of the two alloys are virtually indistinguishable. Therefore, in the same state (solution treated), the mechanical properties of the alloys are almost the same. There isn't any noticeable difference.

Because Inconel 601 focuses on improving the oxidation resistance of the alloy, its other corrosion resistance is not as good as Inconel 600. This also leads to the general application of Inconel 601 in some specific situations, and its application range is not as good as that of Inconel 600.

In theory, the Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 cost about the same. But Inconel 600 is more widely used and there are more materials circulating on the market. This makes the Inconel 600 less expensive. So if the Inconel 600 is sufficient for your needs, you may consider using it first.

Inconel 601 is better than Inconel 600 in terms of antioxidant properties. In other respects, there are no more differences between the two.

Inconel 600 has a wider range of applications and is therefore more common.

We manufacture high quality Inconel 600 and Inconel 601 products. If there is a need, please do not hesitate to contact us.