The Ultimate Guide to Inconel 600 Sheet: Specifications & Fabrication

Inconel 600 sheet is a top nickel-chromium alloy made for extreme environments. It serves as a key material for jobs that need strong performance in high heat and corrosive settings.

The main benefits of this material are its great high-temperature strength and strong corrosion resistance. These qualities make it vital in many important industries.

This guide covers everything from technical details of inconel 600 sheet and inconel 600 plate to practical aspects of alloy 600 metal fabrication.

Understanding Inconel 600

A Superalloy Defined

Inconel 600 is part of the Inconel nickel-chromium superalloys family. These are materials designed to work where normal metals would break down.

It resists oxidation at high temperatures very well. The alloy also resists chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking and stands up to caustic corrosion.

Chemical Composition

Alloy 600 gets its performance from its balanced chemical composition of Inconel 600. Nickel is the main element, giving it a stable structure.

Key Properties

These elements create a versatile set of detailed material properties of Alloy 600.

• High-Temperature Serviceability: It keeps much of its strength and resists oxidation at temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C).
• Tensile Strength: When annealed, it typically has a tensile strength of 90-110 ksi (620-760 MPa).
• Corrosion Resistance: It works very well in many corrosive settings, including oxidizing, reducing, and alkaline environments.
• Cryogenic Toughness: The alloy stays flexible and tough at very low temperatures.

Inconel alloys provide robust performance in demanding industrial environments.

Sheet & Plate Specifications

Sheet vs. Plate

In the metal industry, the main difference between inconel 600 sheet and inconel 600 plate is thickness.

Sheet is usually material under 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) thick. Plate is material 0.25 inches and thicker.

Common Standards

Inconel 600 products are made to specific international standards to ensure quality. Buying material with these standards guarantees its properties.

• ASTM B168: The standard for Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys (UNS N06600) Plate, Sheet, and Strip.
• ASME SB168: The same standard under the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
• AMS 5540: The Aerospace Material Specification for Sheet, Strip, and Plate.
• Other Designations: It's also known as W.Nr. 2.4816 and UNS N06600.

A Special Metals Corporation data sheet gives the most detailed information.

Dimensions and Finishes

Inconel 600 sheet and plate come in various sizes and surface finishes to meet project needs.

A Fabricator's Guide

Machining Challenges

The main challenge in machining Inconel 600 is that it hardens quickly during cutting. This makes it hard to work with.

Experts suggest a specific approach to handle this problem.

• Use strong, rigid machines to prevent tool vibration.
• Keep cutting speeds slow but use firm, steady feed rates to cut below the hardened layer.
• Make sure tools stay very sharp. Carbide tools often work best.
• Use plenty of coolant to remove the heat that builds up.

Welding Best Practices

Alloy 600 welds well, but needs careful prep and control for good joints. Following best practices for welding nickel alloys is important.

TIG/GTAW and MIG/GMAW are the most common welding methods used.

Success depends on a few key things. First, use a matching filler metal, like ERNiCr-3, to keep the base material's properties.

Make sure the surface is clean of all oils, scale, and dirt before starting. Finally, control heat input carefully to limit the heat-affected zone and prevent warping.

Forming and Heat Treatment

Inconel 600 can be formed both hot and cold using standard methods. Because it hardens as you work it, you may need to anneal it several times during aggressive cold forming.

Annealing relieves stress and restores flexibility. This heat treatment is usually done at about 1850°F (1010°C), followed by quick cooling.

Real-World Applications

Heat Treating Industry

Inconel 600 is widely used in heat-treating. It's made into furnace parts like muffles, retorts, and fixtures.

Its value comes from resisting oxidation and carburization at high temperatures, ensuring long life and process purity.

Chemical Processing

The alloy is often used for vessels, pipes, and heaters in chemical plants, especially those handling caustic alkalis.

Its resistance to corrosion, particularly against chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking, makes it reliable for producing and handling sensitive chemicals.

Aerospace Components

In aerospace, Inconel 600 is used for engine and airframe parts that face high temperatures, such as exhaust liners and turbine seals. Its strength and oxidation resistance at high temperatures are critical for safety and performance.

While Alloy 600 works well, other grades like Inconel 625 offer even higher strength and pitting resistance for the most demanding aerospace and marine uses.

Nuclear Engineering

The nuclear industry relies on Inconel 600 for critical environments. It's used for reactor vessel components and steam generator tubing.

The material resists corrosion by high-purity water and is immune to chloride-ion cracking, making it essential for ensuring the long-term safety of nuclear power systems.