Alloy 601 is a nickel-chromium alloy that offers outstanding oxidation resistance up to 1204°C
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.
| % | Ni | Cr | Cu | C | Mn | Si | S | Fe | Al |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | 58 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Balance | 1 |
| Max | 63 | 25 | 1 | 0.1 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.015 | Balance | 1.7 |
Alloy 601 is ideal for high-temperature structural components, offering long-term reliability and ease of fabrication.
| Mechanical & Physical Properties | 21°C | 538°C | 649°C | 760°C | 871°C | 982°C | 1093°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength /MPa | 689.5 | 620.5 | 413.7 | 234.4 | 124.1 | - | - |
| 0.2% Yield Strength /MPa | 372.3 | 331 | 282.7 | 179.2 | 103.4 | - | - |
| Minimum Creep 0.0001% per hr,MPa | - | - | - | 28.3 | 13.8 | 5.2 | 3 |
| 10,000 hr Rupture Strength, MPa | - | - | - | 42.7 | 17.9 | 8.3 | 4.3 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion µm/m⁰C | 15.3 | 16 | 16.6 | 17.1 | 17.6 | 18.3 | |
| Thermal Conductivity /kcal/(hr.m.°C) | 9.7 | 17.3 | 18.9 | 20.4 | 22 | 23.5 | 25.1 |
| Modulus of Elasticity/ 105 MPa | 2.06 | 1.75 | 1.66 | 1.55 | 1.42 | 1.27 | 1.12 |
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.
Used extensively in thermal environments that require scale stability and resistance to carburisation.
Suited to gas environments and components exposed to stress under elevated temperatures.
Stable in oxidation-heavy and acidic environments, including nuclear applications.
High structural integrity under cyclic heat loads makes Alloy 601 ideal for supporting and structural hardware in metal treatment.
Alloy 601 offers a powerful combination of thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and long service life, making it ideal for engineers needing predictable material performance.
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