Alloy 600 / Inconel® 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600 / Nicrofer 7216 – nickel alloy NiCr15Fe
Alloy 600 (UNS N06600, 2.4816, PN-EN 10095:2002 NiCr15Fe, Inconel ® 600, VDM ® Alloy 600, Nicrofer 7216, NiCr15Fe8, NA14, NC15Fe, Pyromet 600, Nickelvac 600, AL 600) is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with an austenitic matrix, containing at least 72% nickel including cobalt according to UNS requirements, 14–17% chromium, and 6–10% iron. It is distinguished by good corrosion and oxidation resistance, high ductility, and the possibility of use at low and elevated temperatures.
Materials available at Alfa-Tech – Alloy 600 / Inconel® 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600
Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / NiCr15Fe bars – round / hexagonal, hot rolled / peeled / drawn
Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600 flat bars
Forged bars Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600 / NiCr15Fe
Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600 forgings – open-die, forged cubes and shafts
Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600 tubes – seamless / welded, hot rolled / cold drawn
Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600 sheets – hot rolled / cold rolled
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Chemical composition of Alloy 600 – comparison of standards and designations UNS N06600, Inconel 600, 2.4816, NiCr15Fe, Nicrofer 7216 and DIN 17752
| Chemical composition | |||||||||||
| Alloy grade | Norma | C | Mn | Si | P | S | Cu | Cr | Ni | Fe | Other |
| Alloy 600 / N06600 / Inconel 600 | ASTM B166, UNS | max 0,15 | max 1,0 | max 0,5 | max 0,015 | max 0,5 | 14,0–17,0 | min 72,0* | 6,0–10,0 | ||
| 2.4816 / NiCr15Fe | EN 10095* | 0,05–0,15 | max 1,0 | max 0,5 | max 0,020 | max 0,015 | max 0,5 | 14,0–17,0 | rest | 6,0–10,0 | Al max 0,3; Ti max 0,3 |
| Alloy 600 / NiCr15Fe | VdTÜV 305 | max 0,10 | max 1,0 | max 0,5 | max 0,015 | max 0,015 | max 0,5 | 14,0–17,0 | min 72,0 | 6,0–10,0 | Al max 0,3; Ti max 0,3 |
| 2.4816 / NiCr15Fe | DIN 17752 | 0,025–0,10 | max 1,0 | max 0,5 | max 0,020 | max 0,015 | max 0,5 | 14,0–17,0 | min 72,0 | 6,0–10,0 | Al max 0,3; Ti max 0,3 |
| Nicrofer 7216 / VDM Alloy 600 | VDM / EN 10095 | 0,05–0,15 | max 1,0 | max 0,5 | max 0,020 | max 0,015 | max 0,5 | 14,0–17,0 | rest | 6,0–10,0 | Al max 0,3; Ti max 0,3 |
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Alloy 600 – Nickel Alloy Characteristics
Alloy 600 (Inconel 600, 2.4816, UNS N06600) is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with an austenitic structure, designed for applications requiring resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and elevated temperatures. It belongs to a broad group of nickel alloys used in the chemical, energy, and aerospace industries, as well as in the construction of thermal equipment.
The basic component of the alloy is nickel, the content of which is at least 72% including cobalt according to UNS specifications. Chromium occurs in the amount of 14–17%, and iron 6–10%. A carefully selected chemical composition ensures good mechanical properties, resistance to many corrosive environments, and the ability to operate over a wide temperature range.
Key properties of Alloy 600:
- very good resistance to chloride ion-induced stress corrosion cracking in many typical aqueous environments;
- good resistance to oxidation at elevated temperatures;
- resistance to carburization and nitriding under appropriately selected operating conditions;
- good resistance to dry chlorine and dry hydrogen chloride under certain temperature conditions;
- maintaining good mechanical properties at low and elevated temperatures;
- good cold and hot plastic forming properties;
- Possibility of welding using standard methods used for nickel alloys.
Alloy 600 is strengthened primarily by cold plastic deformation. It is not a typical precipitation-hardening nickel alloy, such as Alloy 718. The final properties of the product depend on the composition, processing temperature, grain size, and degree of deformation.
Alloy 600 – physical properties
| Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 – Basic Physical Properties | |
| Property | Typical value |
| Density | 8,47 g / cm³ |
| Melting range | 1354-1413 ° C |
| Specific heat (20 ° C) | 444 J/(kg K) |
| Thermal conductivity (20 ° C) | 14,9 W/(m K) |
| Electrical resistivity (20 ° C) | 1,03 µΩ m |
| Average linear expansion coefficient (20–100°C) | 13,3 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Elastic modulus E (approx. 20°C) | 214 GPa |
| Curie temperature | approx. -124°C |
| How to interpret the table: The values represent typical Alloy 600 parameters, not acceptance requirements for all products. The density of 8,47 g/cm³ allows for estimating the mass of bars, sheets, and tubes, while thermal conductivity, specific heat, and modulus E are important in calculating heating and deformation. The Curie temperature of approximately −124°C describes the transition in magnetic properties and is not a service limit. The melting range of 1354–1413°C also does not define a permissible service temperature: stresses, atmosphere, and service life must be taken into account. | |
Approximate data according to Special Metals. Physical values depend on temperature, and some parameters also depend on the condition and composition of the specific product. Other manufacturer data sheets may provide slightly different values.
Inconel 600 – mechanical properties
The mechanical properties of Alloy 600 depend on the product form and the manufacturing process used. Annealing reduces strain hardening and improves the material's ductility, while cold working increases its strength.
The table below shows sample room temperature property ranges based on data from Special Metals.
| Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 – mechanical properties of various products | ||||
| Product and condition | Rm [MPa] | Rp0,2 [MPa] | A [%] | HRB |
| Drawn bars, annealed | 550–690 | 170–345 | 35–55 | 65–85 |
| Hot-worked bars, without annealing | 585–830 | 240–620 | 30–50 | 75–95 |
| Annealed heavy plates | 550–725 | 205–345 | 35–55 | 65–85 |
| Hot-rolled heavy plates, unannealed | 580–760 | 240–450 | 30–50 | 80–95 |
| Hot finished pipes | 520–690 | 170–345 | 35–55 | |
| Cold drawn tubes, annealed | 550–690 | 170–345 | 35–55 | max. 88 |
| How to interpret the table: The table summarizes approximate ranges Results for various material forms and conditions are not uniform standard minimums. Annealed drawn bars achieve Rm of 550–690 MPa and elongation A of 35–55% in the given specification, while for hot-worked bars without annealing, a wider range of Rm of 585–830 MPa is given. Higher strength does not automatically mean a more advantageous material: ductility, hardness, and further processing should also be assessed when selecting the material. Guaranteed parameters are defined only by the appropriate product standard and material certificate. | ||||
Rm – tensile strength; Rp0,2 – yield strength; A – relative elongation; HRB – Rockwell B hardness. Data are indicative and do not constitute guaranteed acceptance requirements. Appropriate values should be determined according to the product standard and material certificate.
Alloy 600 – Temperature Range and Material Behavior
Alloy 600 exhibits good ductility at room temperature and maintains favorable mechanical properties even under cryogenic conditions. Its high nickel content stabilizes the material's austenitic structure and reduces the tendency to brittle fracture when the temperature drops.
The alloy is also used at elevated temperatures, including in furnace equipment, heat exchangers, and chemical plants. However, oxidation resistance does not mean that the material retains its strength over long periods of use.
When designing components exposed to high temperatures, the following should be taken into account:
- decrease in strength and modulus of elasticity with increasing temperature;
- creep under prolonged loading;
- changes in structure and precipitation of carbides;
- the influence of gases and the furnace atmosphere;
- cyclic temperature changes and thermal stresses.
For certain applications requiring increased creep resistance above approximately 700°C, the manufacturer VDM provides the Alloy 600 H variant. The choice of material is determined by the actual operating conditions and the requirements of the relevant specification.
Inconel 600 – resistance to corrosion and chemical environments
The corrosion resistance of Alloy 600 is primarily due to its high nickel content and the presence of chromium. Nickel improves resistance to many reducing environments and reduces the susceptibility to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking. Chromium promotes the formation of a protective oxide layer and increases oxidation resistance.
Alloy 600's resistance includes:
- good resistance to many neutral and alkaline salt solutions;
- high resistance to stress corrosion cracking in many chloride environments;
- good resistance to high purity water under appropriate conditions;
- resistance to dry chlorine and hydrogen chloride within certain temperature ranges;
- good resistance to oxidation and carburization in many industrial atmospheres;
- can be used in installations using hot alkaline environments, after verification of concentration, temperature and stress.
Limitations of corrosion resistance:
- Alloy 600 is not universally resistant to all acids; it exhibits poor resistance to strongly oxidizing environments, including hot concentrated nitric acid.
- Stress corrosion cracking may occur in concentrated alkalis at high temperatures.
- Under certain conditions of temperature and exposure time, the precipitation of chromium carbides may increase susceptibility to intergranular corrosion.
- Atmospheres containing sulfur compounds, especially at high temperatures, require a separate assessment of the material's resistance.
- Resistance to chloride-induced cracking does not imply complete resistance to all corrosion mechanisms in the presence of chlorides.
In critical applications, alloy selection should be based on knowledge of the medium composition, concentration, temperature, flow rate and stress conditions.
Alloy 600 – industrial applications
Chemical and petrochemical industry
Inconel 600 alloy is used to manufacture components for chemical apparatus, heaters, evaporators, distillers, heat exchangers, and installations operating in corrosive environments. It is also used in some chlorinated and fluorinated compound production processes where the material's resistance to specific process media is essential.
Industrial furnaces and heat treatment
Alloy 600 is used for muffles, retorts, charging baskets, trays, furnace fittings, conveyor components, and other equipment parts subjected to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The material performs well in applications requiring a combination of heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and adequate strength.
Aviation and engine industry
The alloy is used for selected parts of aircraft engines and structures, including exhaust system covers, turbine sealing elements and safety wires operating at elevated temperatures.
Nuclear energy and technology
Alloy 600 was used in power equipment components and in nuclear technology, including systems containing high-purity water. A special grade, Inconel 600T, was designed for nuclear applications and manufactured to stricter specifications.
However, in nuclear installations, the documented susceptibility of certain material states to specific stress-corrosion cracking mechanisms must be taken into account. The alloy selection must be based on current design and operational requirements.
Automotive and electrical engineering
Alloy 600 can be used in high-temperature sensor components, spark plugs, seals and specialized parts of electrical and electronic equipment.
Alloy 600 – plastic and heat treatment
Alloy 600 is both hot and cold workable. Strain hardening occurs during cold working, so intermediate annealing may be necessary if significant deformation occurs.
Annealing
Annealing reduces strain hardening and restores the material's ductility. According to Special Metals documentation, an example of a softening treatment is annealing at approximately 1010°C for 15 minutes. The time and temperature must be adjusted to the dimensions, condition, and requirements of the product.
Solution heat treatment and high temperature treatment
Higher annealing temperatures influence precipitate dissolution and grain size. They can be used to obtain the required structure and high-temperature properties, but a single universal cycle should not be adopted for all product forms.
Excessive heating can cause excessive grain growth and alter mechanical properties. Processing parameters are selected based on the manufacturer's documentation and product specifications.
Alloy 600 – welding and additional materials
Inconel 600 is characterized by good weldability and can be joined using TIG, MIG/MAG methods appropriately adapted to nickel alloys, the covered electrode method and selected automatic methods.
When making welded joints, surface cleanliness, proper selection of filler material, control of welding parameters and limitation of contamination that can lead to hot cracking are important.
Typical welding consumables for Alloy 600:
- ERNiCr-3 / Inconel Filler Metal 82 – welding wire used, among others, in TIG and MIG processes;
- ENiCrFe-3 / Inconel Welding Electrode 182 – coated electrode;
- Incoflux 4 – flux for specific submerged arc welding applications, depending on the filler material system.
In the case of joining dissimilar materials, a binder should be selected for both materials being joined and the conditions of subsequent use.
Alloy 600 / 2.4816 – material and manufacturing standards
The most common specifications for Alloy 600 products include:
- ASTM B166 – rods and wires made of nickel-chromium-iron alloys;
- ASTM B168 – sheets, plates and strips;
- ASTM B163 – seamless tubes for condensers and heat exchangers;
- ASTM B167 – seamless pipes;
- ASTM B516 – welded pipes;
- ASTM B564 – nickel alloy forgings;
- EN 10095 – heat-resistant steels and nickel alloys;
- DIN 17752 – historical specification for nickel alloy rods, found in older documentation.
When ordering material, please indicate the appropriate product specification and its required edition. UNS number N06600 alone does not specify all requirements for delivery, testing, and acceptance.
Alloy 600 – trade names and designations used by manufacturers
| Alloy 600 – Trade Names and Manufacturers | |
| Nazwa handlowa | Manufacturer / origin of the name |
| Inconel® alloy 600 | Special Metals |
| VDM® Alloy 600 | VDM Metals |
| Nicrofer 7216 | Historical VDM designation |
| Nickelvac® 600 | Teledyne Allvac's historic trade name |
| Pyromet® 600 | Carpenter Technology |
| AL 600 | Allegheny Ludlum |
| How to interpret the table: The names INCONEL® alloy 600, VDM® Alloy 600, Nicrofer 7216, Nickelvac® 600, Pyromet® 600, and AL 600 appear in various manufacturers' documentation or in older specifications. These are trade and historical names associated with the UNS N06600 alloy family; however, they do not guarantee identical delivery requirementsWhen comparing substitutes, it is important to check the UNS number, relevant product standard, heat treatment status, testing scope, and certification. Mere trade name consistency does not replace verification of order specifications. | |
The names listed refer to UNS N06600 alloys; however, this does not automatically imply interchangeability between all product forms, processing conditions, and special grades. When selecting a substitute, it is important to consider the standard requirements, chemical composition, material condition, and intended use.
Materials offered by Alfa-Tech – Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 / 2.4816 / UNS N06600
| Alloy 600 / Inconel 600 – material forms on request | |
| Form of material | Delivery options available upon request |
| Rods | Round, rolled or drawn |
| Flat bars | Dimensions according to the available offer |
| Forged bars | Dimensions and delivery condition to be agreed |
| Forgings | According to technical documentation |
| Pipes | Seamless or welded, depending on specification |
| Sheets | Sheets, boards and formats |
| How to interpret the table: The table indicates the types of products you can inquire about at Alfa-Tech, not the current stock. Drawn rod, forged rod, and forgings may differ in their requirements regarding structure, mechanical properties, and tolerances; similarly, seamless and welded pipes are subject to different specifications. In your inquiry, it's helpful to specify the material type, dimensions, quantity, UNS or 2.4816 number, required standard, delivery status, and type of certificate. This allows you to tailor your offer to the actual application, not just the alloy name. | |
The availability of particular forms, dimensions and material conditions depends on the manufacturers' capabilities and the terms of the order.
Frequently Asked Questions – Alloy 600 / Inconel® 600
Are Alloy 600 and Inconel 600 the same material?
Yes. Alloy 600 is a nickel alloy designated UNS N06600 / 2.4816 / NiCr15Fe. Inconel® 600 is a trademarked name used by Special Metals. The material is also known as VDM Alloy 600, Nicrofer 7216, and NiCr15Fe8.
Is Alloy 600 stainless steel?
No. Alloy 600 is a nickel-based alloy containing approximately 72–76% nickel, 14–17% chromium, and 6–10% iron. Despite its good corrosion resistance, it is not classified as a stainless steel because its primary component is nickel, not iron.
What is the hardness of Alloy 600?
The hardness of Alloy 600 depends on the product form and processing condition. For annealed bars, it is approximately 65–85 HRB, while hot-worked bars can reach 75–95 HRB. Material hardened by cold working can achieve significantly higher hardness. For precise requirements, refer to the product standard and acceptance certificate.
Can Alloy 600 be welded?
Yes. The alloy is characterized by good weldability and can be joined using TIG, MIG, and coated electrode methods. Additional materials used for welding include ERNiCr-3 (Inconel Filler Metal 82) and ENiCrFe-3 (Inconel Welding Electrode 182). The choice of filler metal depends on the operating conditions of the joint.
Is Alloy 600 suitable for use in seawater?
Alloy 600 exhibits good resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking in many environments, but it is not optimal for long-term exposure to seawater. In conditions favorable to pitting and crevice corrosion, Alloy 625, which contains molybdenum and niobium, may be a better option.
Up to what temperature can Alloy 600 operate?
Alloy 600 is used in high-temperature equipment, even exceeding 1000°C under certain conditions. It exhibits good oxidation resistance, but the allowable operating temperature depends on stresses, service life, and atmospheric composition. For long-term operation above approximately 700°C, where creep resistance is essential, the special Alloy 600 H grade may be considered.
Can Alloy 600 be hardened and tempered?
Alloy 600 is not a precipitation hardening alloy and does not undergo the classic hardening and tempering processes typical of heat-treated steels. The primary heat treatments are annealing and solution heat treatment. Increased strength and hardness are primarily achieved through cold working.
What is the difference between Alloy 600 and Alloy 625?
Alloy 600 is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy primarily intended for applications requiring resistance to high temperatures and certain corrosive environments. Alloy 625 also contains approximately 8–10% molybdenum and 3,15–4,15% niobium with tantalum, providing improved resistance to many aggressive environments, including pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. Alloy 625 also offers higher strength in the annealed condition.