NeoNickel

Alloy 601

Alloy 601 is a nickel-chromium alloy that offers outstanding oxidation resistance up to 1204°C

Characteristics of Alloy 601

Alloy 601, also known as Inconel® 601 (a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation), is a high-performance nickel-chromium-iron alloy engineered for superior resistance to high-temperature oxidation, thermal cycling, and carburising environments. It forms a tenacious and adherent oxide scale that resists spalling even under repeated heating and cooling, ensuring reliable structural integrity in extreme thermal conditions.

The inclusion of aluminium (up to 1.7%) significantly enhances the alloy’s performance in oxidising atmospheres and sulphur-bearing environments, offering long-term protection and operational stability. Even after extended service at elevated temperatures, Alloy 601 retains excellent ductility, toughness, and mechanical strength, making it ideal for components exposed to aggressive heat and gas conditions.

NeoNickel supplies Alloy 601 in a wide range of product forms, suitable for fabrication, welding, and precision forming, including in industrial furnace equipment, heat-treat systems, and energy sector components.

  • Outstanding oxidation resistance up to 1204°C
  • Stable oxide layer that resists spalling during thermal cycling
  • Resists carburising and sulphidising atmospheres
  • Maintains ductility and toughness after long-term thermal exposure
  • Excellent weldability and fabrication properties
  • Proven high-temperature mechanical strength in prolonged service
  • UNS Number: N06601
  • Werkstoff Number: 2.4851
  • ASTM: B163, B166, B167, B168, B564, 5870, B751, B775, B829
  • AMS: 5715
  • Other: Also known as Inconel® 601 (Special Metals Corporation)

Product availability

Coil
Plate
Sheet

Chemical analysis

%NiCrCuCMnSiSFeAl
Min582100000Balance1
Max632510.110.50.015Balance1.7

Key Properties

  • Density: 8.1 g/cm³
  • Melting Range: 1360-1411 ⁰C
  • Specific Heat 21°C, J/kg °C: 448
  • Curie Temperature: <-196 ⁰C

Alloy 601 is ideal for high-temperature structural components, offering long-term reliability and ease of fabrication.

Mechanical & Physical Properties

Mechanical & Physical Properties21°C538°C649°C760°C871°C982°C1093°C
Ultimate Tensile Strength /MPa689.5620.5413.7234.4124.1--
0.2% Yield Strength /MPa372.3331282.7179.2103.4--
Minimum Creep 0.0001% per hr,MPa---28.313.85.23
10,000 hr Rupture Strength, MPa---42.717.98.34.3
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion µm/m⁰C15.31616.617.117.618.3
Thermal Conductivity /kcal/(hr.m.°C)9.717.318.920.42223.525.1
Modulus of Elasticity/ 105 MPa2.061.751.661.551.421.271.12

Applications of Alloy 601

Thanks to its exceptional oxidation resistance and high-temperature strength, Alloy 601 is widely used in thermal processing, power generation, metallurgy, and waste management systems. The alloy’s ability to withstand thermal cycling, carburising atmospheres, and sulphur-rich gases makes it an ideal choice for engineers working with aggressive heat or gas conditions.

Industrial Heat Processing

Used extensively in thermal environments that require scale stability and resistance to carburisation.

  • Radiant tubes and furnace muffles
  • Retorts and heat-treat fixtures
  • Copper brazing and annealing equipment
  • Thermocouple protection tubes

Power Generation & Energy

Suited to gas environments and components exposed to stress under elevated temperatures.

  • Steam superheater tube supports
  • Waste heat recovery systems
  • Hot ducting and expansion bellows
  • Combustion liners and burner heads

Chemical & Nuclear Processing

Stable in oxidation-heavy and acidic environments, including nuclear applications.

  • Vitrification liners and containment systems
  • Waste incineration equipment
  • Lining for transport tanks of nuclear waste
  • Heat exchangers in chemical treatment plants

Metallurgy & Materials Manufacturing

High structural integrity under cyclic heat loads makes Alloy 601 ideal for supporting and structural hardware in metal treatment.

  • Strand annealing tubes
  • Support hangers for rotary kilns
  • Furnace tray systems and crucibles
  • Sintering equipment
  • Copper brazing, annealing and sintering
  • Muffles and retorts
  • Radiant tubes
  • Strand annealing tubes
  • Steam superheater tube supports
  • Rotary kilns and calciners
  • Thermocouple protection tubes
  • Nuclear waste transport tank lining
  • Vitrification of nuclear waste

Benefits of Choosing Alloy 601

Alloy 601 offers a powerful combination of thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and long service life, making it ideal for engineers needing predictable material performance.

  • Long-Term Structural Integrity: Performs under thermal cycling, avoiding scale breakdown and fatigue failures.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Maintains surface stability in oxidising and sulphur-rich atmospheres.
  • Reliable Fabrication: Easily welded using matching filler metals, and compatible with RA 602 CA® consumables for enhanced performance.
  • Versatile Temperature Range: Suitable from cryogenic to extreme heat conditions.
  • Trusted Supplier Network: Supplied in certified forms by NeoNickel - a leading alloy specialist.
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