Inconel 600, also known as Inconel Alloy 600, is a high-performance nickel-chromium-iron based solid solution strengthened alloy. The following is a detailed introduction to Inconel 600:
I. Chemical composition
The main chemical composition of Inconel 600 includes nickel, chromium and iron, of which the content of nickel is as high as 70% to more than 72%, the content of chromium is between 14% and 17%, and the content of iron is about 6% to 10%. In addition, also contains a small amount of cobalt, manganese, silicon, copper, phosphorus, sulfur and carbon and other elements, these elements in the alloy plays a role in refining the grain, improve the strength and toughness.
Second, physical and mechanical properties
Density: Inconel 600 density of 8.4g/cm³, higher density makes it in some of the material weight requirements of the application has certain advantages.
Melting point: The melting point of Inconel 600 is between 1370~1425℃, which has good high temperature stability.
Thermal conductivity: about 12.2W/(m-K), which is favorable for heat conduction.
Thermal expansion coefficient: It is larger at high temperature and can reach 13.3×10^-6/℃.
Electrical Properties: It has good electrical conductivity and is suitable for some occasions where electrical conductivity is required.
Magnetic properties: is non-magnetic, which is very important in some applications that are sensitive to magnetism.
Mechanical Properties: It has good mechanical properties including strength, toughness and ductility. Its tensile strength ranges from 75 to 220ksi, yield strength is 2550ksi in the annealed condition, and impact strength is 160180ft-lb, which remains stable over a wide temperature range. After annealing treatment, its mechanical properties can be further optimized; while after solution treatment, the tensile strength and yield strength will change, but the elongation will increase.
Third, the main characteristics
Corrosion resistance: Inconel 600 has good resistance to a variety of corrosive media, including oxidizing acids and chlorides, as well as reducing, oxidizing and nitrogenating media. It also effectively resists chloride ion stress corrosion cracking and provides an effective alkali resistance solution. In addition, it has excellent corrosion resistance to dry chlorine and hydrogen chloride gases.
High Temperature Resistance: Inconel 600 can be used for long periods of time at temperatures up to 1093°C (2000°F) and is not susceptible to oxidation or loss of strength at extreme temperatures. Even at temperatures as high as 700℃ or even higher, Inconel 600 can still maintain satisfactory thermal strength and high plasticity, and will not show significant performance degradation due to high temperature.
Creep Fracture Strength: Under the action of high temperature for a long time, many materials will undergo creep phenomenon, resulting in structural deformation or even fracture. And Inconel 600 due to the carbon content and grain size of the proper control, has a very good creep fracture strength, can be in the high temperature environment for a long time stable work.
Good processing and welding performance: Inconel 600's work hardening rate is close to that of austenitic stainless steel, which means that similar processing equipment can be selected for processing operations. At the same time, it also has good welding performance, can be connected by various methods such as arc welding, argon arc welding, resistance welding and brazing.
IV. Application areas
Inconel 600 has been widely used in many industrial fields due to its excellent high temperature and corrosion resistance:
Chemical and petrochemical industry: used in the manufacture of reactors, heat exchangers, pipes and valves, etc., especially in the case of handling corrosive media.
Aerospace: used as high-temperature components, such as combustion chambers and nozzles, in aero- and rocket engines, due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and chemical corrosion.
Nuclear energy: in nuclear reactors, especially in high-temperature and high-pressure cooling systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Food and pharmaceutical industry: used in the manufacture of equipment and containers due to its good hygienic properties and corrosion resistance.
V. Manufacturing process
Inconel 600 is usually manufactured using a combination of hot and cold working. Hot processing can be shaped at high temperatures on the alloy, while cold processing is carried out at room temperature, can improve the strength and hardness of the alloy. Welding is commonly done using processes such as tig and arc welding. To ensure the quality and strength of the weld, Inconel 82 or Inconel 182 is recommended as a filler material. Post-weld heat treatment is necessary, usually at 870 ℃ to 980 ℃ for stress relief annealing.
To summarize, Inconel 600 is a high-performance nickel-based alloy, which is widely used in various harsh environments by virtue of its excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance and good mechanical properties.
