What Is a Seamless Inconel 600 Tube?
On this page:Overview · Key Advantages · Specifications · Applications · Quality & Certification
Size Range: OD 6–257 mm · WT 1–35 mm
Seamless Inconel 600 tube (UNS N06600 / W.Nr. 2.4816) is a nickel-chromium-iron tube used where corrosion resistance and heat resistance are required. Specify the tube by outside diameter, wall thickness, length and delivery condition.
General-purpose tubing and condenser or heat-exchanger tubing have different specification requirements — identify the applicable ASTM B167 (general purpose) or ASTM B163 (condenser / heat-exchanger) route in the enquiry; the two routes do not imply dual certification.
The high nickel content (≥ 72.0 %) provides good resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking in many environments, to oxidizing and reducing media, and to high-temperature oxidation and scaling. Non-magnetic behaviour applies at ordinary service temperatures and should be confirmed for the specific condition. Typical applications include heat exchangers and chemical processing; nuclear applications require separate qualification for the specific water chemistry and environment.
Key Advantages of Inconel 600 Seamless Tube
High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance
Performs well in oxidizing atmospheres and shows good resistance to:
- Dry chlorine (Cl2)
- Hydrogen chloride (HCl) gases
Stress Corrosion Cracking
The high nickel content (≥ 72%) gives good resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking in many environments. Performance depends on chloride level, temperature, pH and stress state — verify against the actual service environment. (NRC publications document Alloy 600 cracking experience in nuclear steam-generator water environments; SCC resistance is not immunity.)
Stable Mechanical Properties
- Good tensile strength and ductility in the annealed condition
- Properties depend on delivery condition and section size
Broad Corrosion Resistance
Resistant to:
- Caustic alkalis
- Many organic and inorganic acids
- Nitriding environments
Seamless Construction
Seamless manufacture eliminates the longitudinal manufacturing weld seam. Pressure capability and service life still depend on dimensions and tolerances, material condition, inspection acceptance criteria, the design code and operating conditions; system installation welds remain and are covered by the fabrication procedure.
Product Specifications and Data
To provide a comprehensive overview of this high-performance material, here are the detailed technical specifications and performance data for Inconel 600.
Equivalent Grade
| UNS | Common grade name | EN material number | EN steel name | JIS grade | GB/T grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N06600 | Inconel 600 | 2.4816 | NiCr15Fe | NCF600 | NS3102 / NS312 (legacy) |
Grade correspondence does not make ASTM, ASME, EN, JIS and GB delivery requirements interchangeable. Confirm chemistry, heat treatment, mechanical properties, dimensions, testing and certification against the purchase specification. Approximate or unconfirmed correspondences retain their qualification. See the grade designation index.
Chemical Composition
Inconel 600 is specifically designed to maintain its strength and shape in high-stress, high-temperature environments.
The composition of Inconel 600 is carefully balanced to achieve its superior corrosion resistance and high strength.
| Ni | Cr | Fe | Mn | C | Cu | Si | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 72.00 | 14.00 – 17.00 | 6.00 – 10.00 | ≤ 1.00 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.015 |
Source: ASTM B167-23 / ASTM B163-22, Table 1 (chemical requirements, UNS N06600). Single values are maximum content unless a range or minimum is shown. Iron is determined arithmetically by difference.
Mechanical Properties (Specification Limits)
Inconel 600 is specifically designed to maintain its strength and shape in various operating environments.
| Condition | Tensile Strength, min | Yield Strength (0.2% offset), min | Elongation in 50 mm (2 in.), min |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annealed, room temperature — ASTM B163-22 | 552 MPa (80 ksi) | 241 MPa (35 ksi) | 30 % |
Source: ASTM B163-22, Table 3 (Mechanical Properties of Tubes) — annealed UNS N06600 seamless condenser/heat-exchanger tube: 80 ksi (552 MPa) tensile, 35 ksi (241 MPa) yield, 30 % elongation, measured in 2 in. or 50 mm (or 4D). Table 3 Note C: the minimum strength values apply only to tubing in straight lengths. B163 scope (1.2.1) covers condenser and heat-exchanger tube with OD ≤ 76.2 mm (3 in.), minimum wall ≤ 3.76 mm (0.148 in.) and average wall ≤ 4.19 mm (0.165 in.); larger or thicker sizes fall under the general-purpose ASTM B167 route. State size, condition and specification edition on the purchase order.
Physical Properties (Reference)
These physical properties highlight the material’s ability to perform reliably under a wide range of conditions.
| Density | Melting Point | Thermal Expansion | Thermal Conductivity | Modulus of Elasticity | Electrical Resistivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.47 g/cm³ | 1354–1413 °C | 13.0 µm/m·°C (20–100°C) | 14.9 W/m·K (20°C) | 207 GPa | 1.03 × 10−6 Ω·m (20°C) |
Size Tolerance Chart (mm)
Cold-Finished Pipes and Tubes:
| Specified/Calculated Nominal OD (Inches) | Permissible Variation (Inches) | Specified/Calculated Nominal OD (mm) | Permissible Variation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.500 to 5⁄8, excl. | ±0.005 | 12.7 to 15.8, excl. | ±0.127 |
| 5⁄8 to 1 1⁄2, incl. | ±0.0075 | 15.8 to 38.1, incl. | ±0.190 |
| Over 1 1⁄2 to 3 1⁄2, incl. | ±0.010 | Over 38.1 to 88.9, incl. | ±0.254 |
| Over 3 1⁄2 to 4 1⁄2, incl. | ±0.015 | Over 88.9 to 114.3, incl. | ±0.381 |
| Over 4 1⁄2 to 6, incl. | ±0.020 | Over 114.3 to 152.4, incl. | ±0.508 |
| Over 6 to 6 5⁄8, incl. | ±0.025 | Over 152.4 to 168.3, incl. | ±0.635 |
| Specified/Calculated Nominal OD (Inches) | Permissible Variation (Inches) | Specified/Calculated Nominal OD (mm) | Permissible Variation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 1⁄2 to 5 1⁄2, excl. | ±0.031 | 63.5 to 139.7, excl. | ±0.787 |
| 5 1⁄2 to 9 1⁄4, incl. | ±0.047 | 139.7 to 234.9, incl. | ±1.19 |
| Condition | Specified/Calculated Nominal OD (Inches) | Permissible Variation (Wall Thickness) |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Finished | 0.500 to 5⁄8, excl. | ±15.0% |
| 5⁄8 to 4 1⁄2, incl. | ±10.0% | |
| Over 4 1⁄2 to 6 5⁄8, incl. | ±12.5% | |
| Hot-Finished | 2 1⁄2 to 9 1⁄4, incl. | ±12.5% |
Common Industrial Applications
The unique metallurgical profile of Inconel 600 seamless tubes makes them indispensable in:
Nuclear Industry
- Steam generator tubing and reactor components — subject to project-specific qualification; Alloy 600 has documented SCC experience in nuclear water environments (NRC), so environment-specific assessment is required
Chemical & Petrochemical Processing
- Heat exchangers
- Condensers
- Acid handling systems
Heat Treatment Equipment
- Furnace tubes
- Retorts, trays, muffles
Aerospace Industry
- Jet engine components
- Exhaust systems
Power Generation
- Superheater & reheater tubes
- High-efficiency boiler systems
Quality Control & Certification
Inspection and documentation are defined by the ordered specification and the agreed inspection plan. The quotation will identify included tests, acceptance criteria and inspection documents.
Defined by the ordered specification
- Hydrostatic or non-destructive electric testing per the ordered standard (method and extent as specified)
- Tensile and hardness / flattening / flaring tests where the ordered standard requires them
- EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate with heat-number traceability
Confirmed in the quotation (optional)
- Additional PMI (Positive Material Identification)
- Additional ultrasonic or eddy-current testing with agreed acceptance criteria
- EN 10204 3.2 documentation
Coordinated in advance
- Third-party inspection or witnessing (agencies by agreement)
Additional PMI, ultrasonic testing, third-party witnessing or EN 10204 3.2 documentation must be agreed before order placement.
Need pipe in nominal NPS / Schedule sizes? See our Inconel 600 seamless pipe range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes are available for Inconel 600 seamless tube?
The overall range is OD 6–257 mm; WT 0.5–35 mm. Requirements outside this range are reviewed against mill capability on request.
Which specification governs Inconel 600 seamless tube?
ASTM B167 / ASME SB167 is the governing specification for Inconel 600 seamless tube. The edition in force at order time is stated on the quotation and purchase order; chemistry, mechanical properties, heat treatment, dimensions and testing are reported against the ordered standard and material heat.
What inspection documents are provided?
Each order is documented with a mill test certificate stating heat chemistry and mechanical test results. EN 10204 3.1 certification, hydrostatic testing, eddy-current or ultrasonic inspection and PMI are performed when specified in the purchase order.
Ready to Request a Quotation?
Send the outside diameter, wall thickness, length, delivery condition and the inspection items you need as acceptance criteria — you will get a written quotation stating the specification and edition, delivery condition, documents included and lead time.
