A Brief Guide on Inconel 600 Fasteners

Inconel 600 fasteners are vital components in high-temperature, high-stress, and corrosive environments across industries such as chemical processing, aerospace, power generation, and marine engineering. Designed to deliver reliable performance under extreme conditions, these fasteners have become a go-to choice for engineers and manufacturers looking for strength, stability, and corrosion resistance.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the characteristics, advantages, applications, and specifications of Inconel 600 fasteners. Whether you’re sourcing materials for heat exchangers or assembling equipment for offshore operations, this article will help you understand why Inconel 600 fasteners are an ideal solution.

What Is Inconel 600?

Inconel 600, also known as UNS N06600, is a nickel-chromium-iron alloy engineered to withstand high temperatures, oxidation, and corrosive environments. It exhibits excellent mechanical properties, good weldability, and outstanding resistance to chloride-ion stress corrosion cracking.

Inconel 600 is commonly manufactured under specifications such as ASTM B166 for bars and ASTM B564 for forgings, and its fasteners are produced according to relevant ASTM and ASME standards.

Chemical Composition of Inconel 600

The typical composition of Inconel 600 is as follows:

• Nickel (Ni): 72.0% minimum

• Chromium (Cr): 14.0–17.0%

• Iron (Fe): 6.0–10.0%

• Carbon (C): ≤ 0.15%

• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 1.0%

• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.5%

• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.015%

• Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.5%

This composition gives the alloy a unique combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and thermal stability.

Types of Inconel 600 Fasteners

Inconel 600 fasteners are available in a wide variety of forms to meet diverse application requirements:

• Bolts: Hex head, socket head, carriage bolts, U-bolts

• Nuts: Hex nuts, heavy hex nuts, lock nuts

• Washers: Flat, spring, Belleville

• Screws: Machine screws, cap screws, set screws

• Studs and Threaded Rods: Double-end studs, full-thread rods

• Custom Fasteners: Made to drawing or special design

sasaalloy offers all of the above in metric and imperial sizes, with full documentation and quality certifications.

Mechanical Properties

Inconel 600 fasteners maintain strength over a wide range of temperatures, from cryogenic to 1093°C (2000°F). Typical mechanical properties include:

• Tensile Strength: 655 MPa minimum

• Yield Strength (0.2% offset): 310 MPa minimum

• Elongation: ≥ 30%

• Hardness: Approx. 95–120 HB (annealed)

These properties can be modified by cold working or heat treatment depending on application needs.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Excellent High-Temperature Performance

Inconel 600 fasteners retain mechanical integrity and dimensional stability in environments exceeding 1000°C. This is critical in:

• Industrial furnaces

• Heat treatment equipment

• Exhaust systems

2. Corrosion and Oxidation Resistance

The alloy forms a stable oxide layer that protects against:

• Oxidation in air or combustion gases

• Sulfur-containing atmospheres

• Chloride-ion induced corrosion

This makes Inconel 600 ideal for:

• Chemical processing equipment

• Seawater applications

• Waste incineration units

3. Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance

Thanks to its high nickel content, Inconel 600 is virtually immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking, a major concern in:

• Cooling systems

• Condensers

• Food processing equipment

4. Versatile Fabrication and Machining

Despite its high strength, Inconel 600 can be machined, threaded, and formed using standard methods. With appropriate tooling and lubrication, fasteners can be customized to tight tolerances.

5. Long-Term Durability

The alloy’s resistance to thermal fatigue and environmental degradation ensures long service life, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Applications of Inconel 600 Fasteners

Inconel 600 fasteners are trusted in a wide range of demanding industrial sectors:

● Chemical and Petrochemical Processing

Used in reactor vessels, pipelines, heat exchangers, and valve assemblies exposed to acids, alkalis, and chlorides.

● Aerospace

Ideal for jet engines, airframe components, and turbine sections due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and heat resistance.

● Power Generation

Used in nuclear and thermal power plants for bolting components exposed to high pressure and temperature.

● Marine and Offshore

Resistant to seawater corrosion and stress cracking, perfect for subsea platforms and offshore drilling rigs.

● Heat Treatment Facilities

Bolts, nuts, and studs used in furnaces and radiant tube assemblies operate flawlessly under thermal cycling.

Comparison with Other Alloy Fasteners