Inconel 617 (UNS N06617) Plates and Sheets: Composition, Properties, Standards and Applications

<h1>Inconel 617 (UNS N06617) Plates and Sheets: Composition, Properties, Standards and Applications</h1>

<p><strong>Inconel 617 (UNS N06617, W.Nr. 2.4663)</strong> is a nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum solid-solution-strengthened superalloy designed for service at very high temperatures. It combines high creep-rupture strength with excellent oxidation and carburization resistance in the 900–1100 °C range, which makes it a preferred material for gas-turbine hot sections, industrial furnace hardware and advanced heat exchangers. This article explains its chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, applicable standards, and the plate and sheet specifications available for direct procurement.</p>

<h2>What Is Inconel 617?</h2> <p>Inconel 617 is an austenitic nickel-based superalloy containing roughly 22 % chromium, 12.5 % cobalt and 9 % molybdenum. The cobalt and molybdenum additions provide solid-solution strengthening at elevated temperature, while the high chromium and aluminium content forms a tightly adherent oxide scale that protects the surface during long-term exposure. Unlike precipitation-hardened alloys such as Inconel 718, Inconel 617 retains ductility and weldability even after prolonged high-temperature service.</p>

<h2>Chemical Composition (wt. %)</h2> <table> <thead><tr><th>Element</th><th>Content (%)</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Nickel (Ni)</td><td>Balance (≥ 44.5)</td></tr> <tr><td>Chromium (Cr)</td><td>20.0 – 24.0</td></tr> <tr><td>Cobalt (Co)</td><td>10.0 – 15.0</td></tr> <tr><td>Molybdenum (Mo)</td><td>8.0 – 10.0</td></tr> <tr><td>Aluminium (Al)</td><td>0.8 – 1.5</td></tr> <tr><td>Carbon (C)</td><td>0.05 – 0.15</td></tr> <tr><td>Iron (Fe)</td><td>≤ 3.0</td></tr> <tr><td>Titanium (Ti)</td><td>≤ 0.6</td></tr> <tr><td>Manganese (Mn)</td><td>≤ 0.5</td></tr> <tr><td>Silicon (Si)</td><td>≤ 0.5</td></tr> <tr><td>Copper (Cu)</td><td>≤ 0.5</td></tr> <tr><td>Boron (B)</td><td>≤ 0.006</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h2>Mechanical Properties</h2> <table> <thead><tr><th>Property</th><th>Typical Value</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Tensile strength (room temperature)</td><td>≥ 700 MPa</td></tr> <tr><td>Yield strength (0.2 % offset, RT)</td><td>≥ 290 MPa</td></tr> <tr><td>Elongation (RT)</td><td>≥ 35 %</td></tr> <tr><td>Hardness</td><td>≤ 220 HB</td></tr> <tr><td>Creep-rupture strength (1000 h at 850 °C)</td><td>≈ 90 MPa</td></tr> <tr><td>Oxidation limit (continuous service)</td><td>≈ 1100 °C</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h2>Physical Properties</h2> <table> <thead><tr><th>Property</th><th>Value</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Density</td><td>8.36 g/cm³</td></tr> <tr><td>Melting range</td><td>1330 – 1380 °C</td></tr> <tr><td>Thermal conductivity (at 100 °C)</td><td>13.4 W/(m·K)</td></tr> <tr><td>Coefficient of thermal expansion (20–100 °C)</td><td>11.6 µm/(m·K)</td></tr> <tr><td>Modulus of elasticity</td><td>211 GPa</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h2>Standards and Specifications</h2> <table> <thead><tr><th>Form</th><th>Standard</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Plate, sheet and strip</td><td>ASTM B168 / ASME SB168, AMS 5887, AMS 5888, AMS 5889</td></tr> <tr><td>Bar and forging stock</td><td>ASTM B166 / ASME SB166</td></tr> <tr><td>Seamless tube</td><td>ASTM B167 / ASME SB167</td></tr> <tr><td>Welded tube</td><td>ASTM B516 / ASME SB516</td></tr> <tr><td>Designation</td><td>UNS N06617, W.Nr. 2.4663, DIN NiCr23Co12Mo</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h2>Plates and Sheets: Available Specifications</h2> <p>We supply Inconel 617 in hot-rolled plate, cold-rolled sheet and precision strip. Standard delivery conditions and dimensions are shown below; custom sizes and cut-to-length (CTL) service are available.</p> <table> <thead><tr><th>Product</th><th>Thickness</th><th>Width</th><th>Length / Coil</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Hot-rolled plate</td><td>3 – 100 mm</td><td>1000 – 2500 mm</td><td>up to 6000 mm</td></tr> <tr><td>Cold-rolled sheet</td><td>0.5 – 3.0 mm</td><td>600 – 1500 mm</td><td>up to 6000 mm</td></tr> <tr><td>Precision strip</td><td>0.1 – 0.5 mm</td><td>10 – 300 mm</td><td>coil</td></tr> <tr><td>Surface finish</td><td colspan="3">2B, BA, No.1, pickled, bright annealed or as-rolled</td></tr> </tbody> </table>

<h2>High-Temperature Performance</h2> <p>The defining advantage of Inconel 617 is its combination of creep strength and environmental resistance above 900 °C. The alloy resists oxidation, carburization, nitriding and sulphur attack, and it maintains a stable microstructure during long exposures where lower-alloyed grades would coarsen or spall. This is why it is widely selected for components that must survive both mechanical load and aggressive combustion atmospheres.</p>

<h2>Fabrication and Welding</h2> <p>Inconel 617 is readily hot-formed and cold-formed and can be welded by GTAW/TIG, GMAW/MIG, SMAW and SAW processes using matching or nickel-based filler metals (e.g. ERNiCrCoMo-1). Preheating is generally not required. Because the alloy work-hardens quickly, cold forming should be performed with generous bend radii and intermediate annealing where deformation is severe.</p>

<h2>Applications</h2> <ul> <li>Gas-turbine combustion chambers, transition ducts and afterburner components</li> <li>Industrial furnace muffles, retorts, radiant tubes and fixtures</li> <li>High-temperature heat exchangers and process tubing</li> <li>Nuclear reactor components and gas-cooled reactor internals</li> <li>Petrochemical reformer and cracking-furnace hardware</li> <li>Advanced power-generation (A-USC) boiler and turbine parts</li> </ul>

<h2>Inconel 617 vs 625 vs 600</h2> <table> <thead><tr><th>Alloy</th><th>Key Strength</th><th>Typical Limit</th></tr></thead> <tbody> <tr><td>Inconel 617 (N06617)</td><td>Highest creep strength and oxidation resistance</td><td>≈ 1100 °C</td></tr> <tr><td>Inconel 625 (N06625)</td><td>Excellent corrosion + moderate high-temp</td><td>≈ 980 °C</td></tr> <tr><td>Inconel 600 (N06600)</td><td>Good general oxidation resistance, economical</td><td>≈ 1093 °C</td></tr> </tbody> </table> <p>For components that combine very high temperature, mechanical load and a corrosive combustion atmosphere, Inconel 617 is normally the strongest choice. For corrosion-dominated service at moderate temperature, Inconel 625 or Hastelloy alloys are often more cost-effective.</p>

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <p><strong>What is Inconel 617 used for?</strong><br>Inconel 617 is used mainly for gas-turbine hot-section parts, industrial furnace components, high-temperature heat exchangers and nuclear and power-generation hardware that must operate at up to about 1100 °C.</p> <p><strong>Is Inconel 617 weldable?</strong><br>Yes. Inconel 617 is readily welded by TIG, MIG, shielded metal arc and submerged arc processes using nickel-based fillers such as ERNiCrCoMo-1.</p> <p><strong>What is the difference between Inconel 617 and Inconel 625?</strong><br>Inconel 617 offers higher creep-rupture strength and a higher oxidation limit (about 1100 °C versus 980 °C), whereas Inconel 625 is more corrosion-focused and easier to form.</p> <p><strong>Can you supply Inconel 617 plates in custom sizes?</strong><br>Yes. Hot-rolled plate, cold-rolled sheet and precision strip are available with cut-to-length, waterjet and plasma cutting to your drawing.</p>

<h2>Ordering Inconel 617 Plates and Sheets</h2> <p>For a quotation, please specify the standard (e.g. ASTM B168 / ASME SB168), thickness, width, length, surface finish, quantity and any third-party inspection requirements. Browse our full range at <a href="https://www.hangboalloys.com/products/category/inconel">Inconel products</a> or contact our team through the <a href="https://www.hangboalloys.com/contact">contact page</a>. You may also be interested in our related guides on <a href="https://www.hangboalloys.com/news/listy-i-plity-iz-nikelevyh-splavov">nickel-alloy plates and sheets</a>.</p>