Inconel 600 (Alloy 600 / UNS N06600): Instrumentation Fittings, Valves & Tubing
Inconel 600 is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy strengthened by solid solution (UNS N06600). It resists oxidation well at high temperature, holds up against chloride stress-corrosion cracking, and performs strongly in caustic and high-purity-water service.
On this page, Inconel 600 refers to Alloy 600 used as a material for instrumentation fittings, valves, and tubing, not pipe or flange mill products. It's a distinct grade from Inconel 625, 718, and 825, which stand apart as their own alloys.
Crestflo builds instrumentation components from high-nickel alloys, Alloy 600 among them. This page lays out the metallurgy you can actually pull numbers from, composition, mechanical and physical properties, temperature limits, and how the alloy holds up against different media, then points you toward the instrumentation forms Crestflo actually supplies. From there, you can submit an RFQ for whatever your application calls for.
Inconel 600 at a Glance: What Alloy 600 Is and Why It Is Specified
Alloy 600 is a wrought nickel-chromium-iron alloy, and it's not age-hardenable. It gets its strength from solid-solution strengthening rather than precipitation, so it holds its properties across a wide temperature band without any heat-treat response. The roughly 72% nickel base gives it excellent resistance to chloride-ion stress-corrosion cracking and to caustic and alkaline media. Chromium, at 14–17%, adds oxidation and high-temperature scaling resistance up to about 2000 °F (1093 °C).
Yes. Alloy 600 and Inconel 600 are the same alloy. "Alloy 600" serves as the generic designation for UNS N06600, while INCONEL® remains a registered trademark of Special Metals Corporation. Crestflo holds no affiliation with Special Metals Corporation and carries no endorsement from that company. Throughout this page, "Alloy 600" refers to the generic UNS N06600 material.
Inconel 600 Designations & Equivalents: UNS N06600, Werkstoff 2.4816, NiCr15Fe
Alloy 600 goes by several names across different national and standards-body systems. Buyers and specifiers might know it as Inconel 600, Inconel® 600, Nickel Alloy 600, or Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy 600. Metallurgists, on the other hand, tend to cite it by UNS number, Werkstoff (W.Nr.), or the British designation. Every one of these labels points to the same nickel-chromium-iron alloy.
| System | Designation |
|---|---|
| Common / trade | Inconel 600, Inconel® 600, Alloy 600, Nickel Alloy 600, Ni-Cr-Fe Alloy 600 |
| UNS | N06600 |
| Werkstoff (W.Nr.) | 2.4816 |
| EN / DIN | NiCr15Fe |
| British Standard | BS NA14 |
| Aerospace (context only) | AMS 5540 / 5665 / 5687 |
| ASTM/ASME product-form specs | B166 (rod/bar), B167 (seamless pipe & tube), B168 (plate/sheet/strip), B516/B517 (welded tube/pipe), B564 (forgings), B366 (wrought fittings) |
Aerospace AMS designations appear here for identification purposes only; they aren't a claim of AMS-qualified supply. Values follow the applicable standard, and they can be customized to whatever the requirement calls for.
Inconel 600 Chemical Composition (UNS N06600)
Nickel makes up most of Alloy 600's composition. Chromium is added for oxidation resistance, and iron rounds out the balance. The table below lists the standard published limits for UNS N06600.
| Element | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 72.0 | — |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.0 | 17.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | 6.0 | 10.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 1.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | — | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.5 |
| Carbon (C) | — | 0.15 |
| Sulfur (S) | — | 0.015 |
Composition follows the UNS N06600 chemistry standard. Exact values for each heat appear on the material test certificate issued for that lot.
Inconel 600 Mechanical Properties & Physical Data (Annealed)
Below you'll find the mechanical and physical properties for annealed Alloy 600. These Inconel 600 material properties are standard published values, not guarantees. What actually ships depends on the product form and condition, so always check the certificate to confirm.
| Property | Value (metric) | Value (imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.47 g/cm³ | 0.306 lb/in³ |
| Melting range (melting point band) | 1354–1413 °C | 2470–2575 °F |
| Tensile strength | 550–690 MPa | 80–100 ksi |
| Yield strength (0.2% offset) | 240–310 MPa | 35–45 ksi |
| Elongation | 35–45% | 35–45% |
| Modulus of elasticity | 207 GPa | 30 × 10⁶ psi |
| Hardness | 65–85 HRB (typical) | 65–85 HRB (typical) |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion (20–100 °C) | 13.3 µm/m·°C | 7.4 µin/in·°F |
| Thermal conductivity (RT) | 14.9 W/m·K | 103 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F |
| Magnetic permeability | Low; essentially non-magnetic in annealed condition | — |
Values per applicable standard; customizable to requirement.
Inconel 600 Temperature Range, Maximum Service Temperature & Oxidation Resistance
Alloy 600 earns its keep as a high-temperature material. Chromium in the alloy builds a protective oxide layer, and that layer holds off oxidation and carburization in continuous service up to roughly 1093 °C (2000 °F). That's why engineers reach for it in heat-treatment fixtures, furnace components, and hot process streams. Solid-solution strengthening, not precipitation hardening, is what gives the alloy its backbone. As a result, it doesn't lose ductility the way some age-hardened nickel alloys do after long stretches at high temperature.
Alloy 600, at the other end of the range, holds onto its toughness all the way down to cryogenic temperatures. That means one grade can cover a remarkably wide thermal span. But for sustained work above the oxidation limit, or wherever greater hot strength matters, Inconel 601 for higher-temperature oxidation is the sibling grade to reach for.
Inconel 600 Corrosion Resistance by Media (Chloride SCC, Caustic, High-Purity Water)
Alloy 600 resists chloride stress corrosion cracking and holds up well against caustic exposure, but it's not a general acid-resistant grade. The table breaks down its behavior across different environments and points to a better alternative wherever Alloy 600 isn't the top choice.
| Media / Environment | Alloy 600 behavior | Note / better alternative |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature oxidation | Excellent to ~2000 °F | Higher-temp service → Inconel 601 |
| Chloride stress-corrosion cracking | Excellent, high-Ni resistance to Cl⁻ SCC | Primary strength of the grade |
| Caustic / alkaline (NaOH) | Very good, incl. hot caustic | Strong application |
| Dry chlorine / HCl (elevated temp) | Good in dry halogen service | Wet/acidic halogens → Alloy 625/C-276 |
| High-purity water | Excellent; used in nuclear steam systems | Established application |
| Sulfuric acid | Limited, concentration/temperature dependent | Strong acid duty → Alloy 20 / C-276 |
| Sour service / H₂S | Not the primary sour-service grade | Sour service → Inconel 625/825, Hastelloy C-276 |
| Strongly oxidizing acids | Lower resistance than 625/C-276 | Oxidizing acids → Inconel 625 / C-276 |
Sour-service (NACE) note (stated honestly): Nickel alloys fall under NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156. Alloy 600, though, isn't the first choice for sour service. For H₂S-bearing applications, specify Inconel 625 for sour & oxidizing service, Incoloy/Inconel 825 for acid & sour service, or a Hastelloy grade such as Hastelloy C-276 for aggressive acids. Confirm the certified condition against NACE MR0175 sour-service requirements. For the decision logic behind these picks, see our sour-service material selection guide.
Inconel 600 Standards & Product-Form Specifications (ASTM/ASME B-Series)
Wrought Alloy 600 gets procured to the ASTM/ASME B-series specifications, sorted by product form. These are the reference specifications for the alloy. Crestflo's instrumentation components are made from material that meets the applicable form specification.
| Product form | ASTM/ASME specification |
|---|---|
| Rod & bar | B166 |
| Seamless pipe & tube | B167 |
| Plate, sheet & strip | B168 |
| Welded pipe & tube | B516 / B517 |
| Forgings | B564 |
| Wrought fittings | B366 |
Every part comes stamped with a heat/lot number, backed by an EN 10204 3.1 material test certificate as standard. Need 3.2? Available on request. Values follow the applicable standard, and they're adjustable to what the job requires.
When to Choose Inconel 600: and When to Specify Another Alloy
Inconel 600 earns its place in high-temperature oxidizing atmospheres. It also handles hot caustic and alkaline media without difficulty, along with dry chlorine and HCl at elevated temperature. In chloride environments where stress-corrosion cracking is a risk, this alloy proves its worth. It's a natural fit for high-purity water systems too.
Specify an alternative when:
- You need sour / H₂S service → Inconel 625, Inconel 825, or Hastelloy C-276.
- You face strongly oxidizing acids → Inconel 625 or Hastelloy C-276.
- You need high mechanical strength from age hardening → Inconel 718 (Alloy 600 is not age-hardenable).
- You need only general stainless service at lower cost → 316/316L.
The quick-selection table condenses this:
| If you need… | Choose | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature oxidation resistance | Inconel 600 | This page |
| Even higher continuous temperature | Inconel 601 | Inconel 601 |
| Sour / oxidizing-acid corrosion service | Inconel 625 / 825 | Inconel 625 · Inconel 825 |
| Aggressive reducing acids | Hastelloy C-276 | Hastelloy C-276 |
| Selection by full service condition | Guided comparison | Material selection by service |
Looking for a side-by-side comparison? The Inconel vs Monel selection guide and the Hastelloy vs Inconel comparison cover that ground in detail.
Available Inconel 600 Product Forms from Crestflo: Fittings, Valves & Tubing
Crestflo offers Alloy 600 only in instrumentation forms: compression and tube fittings, instrumentation valves, and instrumentation tubing. Pipe fittings, flanges, bar, sheet, plate, and other mill products in this alloy fall outside the US instrumentation scope, so they're not something we carry. If you came here looking for pipe fittings, the tube and compression fittings listed below are the nearest match we actually stock.
| Form | Size range | End / ferrule options | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression / tube fittings | Up to 2″ (50 mm) OD | Single & double ferrule; hardened or non-hardened; imperial + metric | Inconel 600 tube & compression fittings |
| Instrumentation valves | 1/16″ to 1″ | Threaded or tube-fitting ends | instrumentation valves in Alloy 600 |
| Instrumentation tubing | Standard OD/wall per size chart | Seamless & welded | Alloy 600 instrumentation tubing · seamless tubing |
Compression tube fittings are tested per ASTM F1387 fitting qualification for dimensional and performance interchange. Instrumentation valves are a different case: they qualify to the valve standards that actually apply, ASME B16.34 and API, not F1387, since that standard covers compression-tube fittings specifically. Finishes on offer include material finish, electropolish, passivation, and silver anti-galling plating. Ready stock covers the standard items. Specials get made to order. Delivery runs 6-8 weeks. Need exact OD, wall thickness, and end configuration? Request an Inconel 600 quote.
Why Crestflo for Inconel 600 Instrumentation Components
Crestflo operates as the instrumentation division of an export house that's been in business for four decades, one recognized by the Government of India, with a solid delivery track record across the Middle East. It's a focused instrumentation brand standing on that established history. Here's what that means for you on Alloy 600:
- ASTM F1387-backed interchange on compression tube fittings, dimensional and performance drop-in for the major brands. The parts meet ASTM F1387 point for point, so swapping brands doesn't mean hunting for adapters. F1387 is the baseline we build to, on every run.
- 6-8 week delivery. Standard items ship from stock. Specials get made to order. Compare that to the 20+ weeks that's typical at the majors. For the method behind it, see our 6, 8-week lead time methodology.
- Small MOQ + private label, see the private-label & OEM program.
- Heat-number traceability on every part with EN 10204 3.1 MTC standard, 3.2 on request.
- In-house machining and testing, CNC/VMC/EDM, PMI, hydraulic and pneumatic proof, and NDT.
- ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001 & PED certified.
Let's be straight about origin: our material comes from India. Need a US or European melt instead? Just ask. You'll get full material traceability either way. Crestflo supplies Inconel 600 to US customers, engineered for drop-in replacement in the US market; our US sales contact sits in Houston, TX. We don't claim "made in USA," full stop. If your project needs domestic melt or TAA compliance, US and European-melt options are available on request. Thanks to our post-tariff cost advantage, Alloy 600 stays competitive on landed cost. We Engineer Confidence.
Inconel 600 Applications & Industries
Alloy 600 shows up in high-temperature process and heat-treatment equipment, in caustic and alkaline chemical handling, in dry-halogen service, and in nuclear steam and high-purity water systems. You'll also find it in aerospace components and in food and chemical processing. Wherever oxidation resistance and resistance to chloride stress-corrosion cracking are what decide the choice, this is the alloy people reach for. For instrumentation, that means fittings, valves, and tubing on hot, caustic, or chloride-laden analyzer, sampling, and process lines.
Inconel 600 FAQ
Are Alloy 600 and Inconel 600 the same?
Yes. Alloy 600 is simply the generic name for UNS N06600. INCONEL® is a registered trademark held by Special Metals Corporation, covering that same nickel-chromium-iron alloy. Whichever name a specification uses, the composition and properties don't change.
What is Inconel 600 used for?
High-temperature process and heat-treatment equipment, caustic and alkaline media, dry chlorine and HCl service, high-purity water systems, nuclear and aerospace components, anywhere oxidation resistance and resistance to chloride stress-corrosion cracking actually matter, this material shows up. In instrumentation, it's found in fittings, valves, and tubing on hot lines and on chloride or caustic service lines.
What are the disadvantages of Inconel 600?
Alloy 600 won't age-harden, so it can't touch the high strengths Inconel 718 reaches. Against strongly oxidizing acids, it falls short of Alloy 625 and Hastelloy C-276. It isn't the go-to choice for sour service either. When H₂S is in play, specify Inconel 625/825 or Hastelloy C-276 instead.
What tube sizes are available in Inconel 600?
Crestflo supplies Alloy 600 instrumentation tubing and compression tube fittings up to 2″ (50 mm) OD, available in imperial and metric, with single or double ferrules. Standard OD and wall thickness follow the published tubing size chart. Need your exact schedule? Just request a quote.
What is the chemical composition of Inconel 600?
Nickel runs at least 72% by nominal composition, with chromium between 14 and 17%, and iron in the 6 to 10% range. Manganese, copper, silicon, carbon, and sulfur all stay within the limits set for UNS N06600. Exact figures vary heat to heat, and you'll find those on each material test certificate.
What is the maximum service temperature of Inconel 600?
Alloy 600 stands up to oxidation and holds onto useful strength through continuous high-temperature service, up to roughly 1093 °C (2000 °F). It doesn't lose toughness at the other extreme either; performance holds even down at cryogenic temperatures.
Is Inconel 600 NACE MR0175 compliant for sour service?
NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 covers nickel alloys, but Alloy 600 isn't the grade to reach for in sour service. For H₂S-bearing service, specify Inconel 625/825 or Hastelloy C-276, and confirm the certified condition against MR0175.
Inconel 600 vs Inconel 625, which do I need?
Choose Alloy 600 where high-temperature oxidation and caustic or chloride stress-corrosion cracking are the concern. Choose Alloy 625 for sour service, oxidizing acids, and jobs that demand more strength against corrosion. For the full data on Inconel 625, see its grade page.
Do you provide material test certificates for Inconel 600 parts?
Yes. Every part is marked with a heat/lot number, and each one ships with an EN 10204 3.1 material test certificate as standard. Need a 3.2 instead? We'll provide it on request.
Are Crestflo's Inconel 600 fittings drop-in interchangeable with major brands?
Our compression tube fittings are qualified to ASTM F1387, matching major brands on dimensions and performance alike. Need a Swagelok or Parker cross-reference? Just ask our engineering team; they'll put one together for you.
Where is Inconel 600 material made, and can you ship to the US?
Crestflo serves the US market. Indian-origin material is standard, though US and European melt can be arranged on request, with full material traceability backing every order. Ready stock covers standard items, so those ship right away; specials are made to order and typically take 6-8 weeks. Houston, Texas, is where our US sales contact is based. We don't claim the product is "made in USA."
Can I get Inconel 600 in small quantities or private label?
Yes, small MOQs are available. We also run private-label and OEM programs for Alloy 600 instrumentation components.
Related Materials, Standards & Resources
- All instrumentation fitting materials
- Inconel 601 for higher-temperature oxidation · Inconel 625 for sour and oxidizing service · Incoloy/Inconel 825 for acid and sour service · Hastelloy C-276 for aggressive acids
- Inconel vs Monel, a selection guide · Hastelloy weighed against Inconel · Inconel 625 stacked up against 825 · picking materials by service condition
- what NACE MR0175 demands for sour service · EN 10204 3.1/3.2 material test certificates, or MTC, explained · how ASTM F1387 qualifies a fitting
- Request an Inconel 600 quote · request a sample