Four key differences between Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys

Four key differences between Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys
Both Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys are high-performance nickel-based alloys with excellent high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and oxidation resistance, making them widely used in various industries. However, these two alloys differ significantly in composition, properties, and applications. This article will explore the key differences between Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys.
What are the properties of Inconel 601 alloy?
The most outstanding property of Inconel 601 alloy is its excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation. In addition, this alloy also has good resistance to water corrosion, high mechanical strength, and is easy to form, process, and weld.

Chemical composition of Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys
| Element | Inconel 601 (UNS N06601) | Inconel 602 (UNS N06025) |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) | 58.0 – 63.0 % | ≥ 60.0 % |
| Chromium (Cr) | 21.0 – 25.0 % | 24.0 – 26.0 % |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | 8.0 – 11.0 % |
| Aluminum (Al) | 1.0 – 1.7 % | 1.8 – 2.4 % |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.10 % | 0.15 – 0.25 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0 % | ≤ 0.50 % |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.5 % | ≤ 0.50 % |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 1.0 % | ≤ 0.50 % |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15 % | – |
| Zirconium (Zr) | – | 0.01 – 0.10 % |
| Yttrium (Y) | – | 0.05 – 0.12 % |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 % | ≤ 0.015 % |
| Phosphorus (P) | – | ≤ 0.020 % |
Physical properties of Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys
| Physical Property | Inconel 601 | Inconel 602 |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.11 | 7.95 |
| Melting Range (°C) | 1300 – 1370 | 1350 – 1380 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 210 | 205 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K, at 20°C) | 11.2 | 10.5 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (×10⁻⁶/K, 20–100°C) | 12.6 | 13.0 |
| Electrical Resistivity (μΩ·m, at 20°C) | 1.18 | 1.25 |
| Specific Heat (J/kg·K, at 20°C) | 444 | 440 |
| Magnetic Permeability | Typically non-magnetic | Typically non-magnetic |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.29 | 0.30 |
| Thermal Diffusivity (mm²/s, at 20°C) | ~3.2 | ~3.0 |
Four key differences between Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 alloys:
First, their material composition differs. While both Inconel 601 and Inconel 602 are primarily composed of nickel and chromium, their additional alloying elements differ slightly. Inconel 601 contains aluminum in addition to nickel and chromium, giving it excellent oxidation resistance. Inconel 602, on the other hand, contains titanium and aluminum in addition to nickel and chromium, further enhancing its corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance.
Second, their mechanical properties also differ slightly. The titanium component in Inconel 602 improves the metal's toughness and tensile strength. Therefore, Inconel 602 outperforms Inconel 601 in terms of ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and creep resistance.
Third, the two alloys also differ in their corrosion resistance, especially under different conditions. Inconel 601 exhibits excellent high-temperature resistance, demonstrating strong corrosion resistance in extreme high-temperature environments. In contrast, the combination of titanium and aluminum in Inconel 602 allows it to form a stable protective layer, resulting in extremely high corrosion resistance in sulfide-containing environments.
Furthermore, their application areas are quite different. Inconel 601 has an oxidation resistance temperature as high as 1180°C, making it ideal for industries with extremely high requirements for oxidation resistance, such as exhaust system components and combustion chambers in solid waste incinerators. Inconel 602, on the other hand, with its superior oxidation and corrosion resistance, is widely used in aerospace engine blades, turbine disks, and subsea pipelines in marine engineering.

Gnee Steel is a professional manufacturer of various nickel-based alloys, including Nickel 201, Nickel 202, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy C-22, Hastelloy B, Hastelloy C-4, Inconel Alloy 600, Inconel 625, Inconel 718, Inconel X-750, Incoloy Alloy 800, Incoloy 800H/HT, Incoloy 825, Monel Alloy 400, Monel K500, and high-temperature alloys. We specialize in the production and sales of alloy materials. Gnee Steel's products are widely used in aerospace, chemical, power, automotive, and nuclear energy industries, and we can provide customized alloy material solutions according to customer needs. For alloy material price inquiries or to request customized alloy material solutions, please feel free to contact us at ru@gneesteelgroup.com for a quote.

