Inconel 602CA/Alloy 602CA/RA 602CA bar

Inconel 602CA bar, also commonly referred to as Alloy 602CA or RA 602CA, is a high-performance nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum alloy specifically engine…

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Inconel 602CA bar, also commonly referred to as Alloy 602CA or RA 602CA, is a high-performance nickel-chromium-iron-aluminum alloy specifically engineered for extreme temperature applications where exceptional oxidation, carburization, and nitriding resistance are required. The “CA” designation stands for “carburization resistant, aluminum enhanced,” highlighting its key attribute: the formation of a highly protective and stable alumina (Al2O3) scale at temperatures up to 1250°C (2280°F). This bar stock is a critical material for machining components in industrial heating, chemical processing, and power generation sectors.

Table of Contents Hide

1 Understanding Alloy 602CA (RA 602CA)

2 Chemical Composition of Inconel 602CA Bar

3 Mechanical Properties of Inconel 602CA Bar

4 Physical Properties of Inconel 602CA Bar

5 Standard Specifications, Bar Forms, and Available Sizes

6 Primary Applications of Inconel 602CA Bar Stock

7 Machining and Fabrication of Inconel 602CA Bar

8 Welding and Heat Treatment of Inconel 602CA Bar

9 Reference Pricing and Key Purchasing Factors

Understanding Alloy 602CA (RA 602CA)

Inconel 602CA represents a significant advancement in high-temperature alloy technology. By combining high chromium content with a precisely controlled high aluminum content and micro-alloying additions of zirconium and yttrium, it achieves an unparalleled ability to withstand aggressive oxidizing, carburizing, and sulfidizing atmospheres under cyclic heating conditions. The bar stock form is ideal for fabricating furnace fixtures, heat treatment retorts, radiant tubes, and other critical components subject to severe thermal cycling and corrosive environments.

Chemical Composition of Inconel 602CA Bar

The exceptional high-temperature stability of Inconel 602CA bar stems from its unique and tightly controlled chemical composition. Supplied by Shanghai NC Metal Materials Co., Ltd., the bar stock adheres to proprietary and industry-accepted specifications to ensure consistent performance in the most demanding service conditions.

Element	Percentage (%) – Typical Range	Primary Function in the Alloy
Nickel (Ni)	Balance (≥ 60.0)	Forms the stable austenitic matrix, providing the foundation for high-temperature strength and basic corrosion resistance.
Chromium (Cr)	24.0 – 26.0	Provides excellent resistance to oxidation and sulfidation by forming a protective chromium oxide (Cr2O3) layer.
Iron (Fe)	8.0 – 11.0	Contributes to solid-solution strengthening and cost structure.
Aluminum (Al)	1.8 – 2.4	The most critical element. Enables the formation of a continuous, adherent, and slow-growing alumina (Al2O3) scale beneath the chromia layer, providing exceptional long-term protection against oxidation, carburization, and metal dusting.
Carbon (C)	0.15 – 0.25	Higher than in many nickel alloys; provides high-temperature strength through controlled carbide formation.
Yttrium (Y)	0.05 – 0.12	Rare earth addition that dramatically improves the adhesion (spalling resistance) of the protective oxide scale during thermal cycling.
Zirconium (Zr)	0.01 – 0.10	Micro-alloying addition that improves high-temperature strength and contributes to oxide scale adhesion.
Titanium (Ti)	0.10 – 0.20	Residual/controlled element.
Manganese (Mn)	0.10 max	Residual element.
Silicon (Si)	0.10 max	Residual element; kept very low to avoid silica formation which can impair scale stability.

Mechanical Properties of Inconel 602CA Bar

Inconel 602CA bar offers good high-temperature strength and, most importantly, retains its ductility and does not become embrittled after long-term high-temperature exposure. It is typically supplied in the solution-annealed condition.

Mechanical Property	Typical Value at Room Temperature (Annealed)	Typical Value at 1100°C (2012°F)	Key Characteristic
Tensile Strength	650 – 750 MPa (94 – 109 ksi)	≈ 50 MPa (7.3 ksi)	Maintains useful strength at extreme temperatures.
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)	300 – 400 MPa (44 – 58 ksi)	≈ 40 MPa (5.8 ksi)	–
Elongation in 2 inches (50mm)	≥ 40%	≥ 60%	Excellent ductility, even after aging at high temperature.
Hardness (Rockwell B)	85 – 95 HRB	N/A	–
Creep Rupture Strength (1000h)	N/A	≈ 25 MPa (3.6 ksi) at 1100°C	Outstanding load-bearing capability in ultra-high temperature service.

Physical Properties of Inconel 602CA Bar

The physical properties of Alloy 602CA bar are essential for designing systems involving significant thermal expansion and heat transfer.

Physical Property	Value at Room Temperature (20°C / 68°F)	Notes / Condition
Density	7.93 g/cm³ (0.286 lb/in³)	–
Melting Range	1350 – 1380°C (2460 – 2520°F)	–
Specific Heat	≈ 460 J/kg·°C (0.110 BTU/lb·°F)	At 100°C
Thermal Conductivity	12.5 W/m·K (86.6 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F)	At 100°C
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	13.5 μm/m·°C (7.5 μin/in·°F)	20-200°C (68-392°F)
Electrical Resistivity	1.18 μΩ·m (46.5 μΩ·in)	At 20°C
Modulus of Elasticity (Tensile)	215 GPa (31.2 x 10^6 psi)	At 20°C

Standard Specifications, Bar Forms, and Available Sizes

Shanghai NC Metal Materials Co., Ltd. supplies Inconel 602CA bar primarily to proprietary specifications from material developers and widely accepted industry standards. It is a specialized alloy with specific form availability.

Product Form	Standard Size Range	Key Standard Specifications	Common Supply Conditions
Round Bar (Hot Rolled/Forged)	12mm (0.5″) to 250mm (10″) Diameter	UNS N06025 (related but not identical), DIN 17744, Proprietary ThyssenKrupp VDM® Alloy 602 CA spec, Customer-specific forging specs.	Solution Annealed (typically 1150-1200°C water quench)
Hexagonal Bar	12mm to 80mm Across Flats	DIN 17744, Proprietary specs	Solution Annealed
Square Bar	12mm to 80mm Width	Proprietary specs	Solution Annealed
Forging Billet	150mm to 400mm Diameter	Customer-specific forging specifications	As-Forged, Solution Annealed

Primary Applications of Inconel 602CA Bar Stock

Machined or forged components from Alloy 602CA bar are used in the most severe high-temperature processes: Heat Treatment Industry: Radiant tubes, muffles, retorts, baskets, and fixtures for carburizing, nitriding, and sintering furnaces where resistance to carbon and nitrogen penetration is critical. Chemical & Petrochemical Processing: Reformer components, catalyst grid supports, and tubing in processes involving steam methane reforming and other syngas production. Power Generation: Combustion system components, heat recuperators, and fuel cell interconnects. Waste Incineration & Environmental: Grate bars, support elements, and thermocouple protection tubes in waste-to-energy plants.

Machining and Fabrication of Inconel 602CA Bar

Machining Inconel 602CA bar requires strategies for tough, high-temperature nickel alloys. Its high carbon and aluminum content contribute to its abrasiveness. Recommended practices include: using rigid machine setups with ample power; sharp carbide tools with positive or neutral rake angles (ceramic tools may also be used); moderate cutting speeds; consistent feed rates; and high-pressure coolant to manage heat and clear chips. It is generally more difficult to machine than standard Inconel 600 series alloys due to its higher strength and hardness in the annealed condition.

Welding and Heat Treatment of Inconel 602CA Bar

Alloy 602CA is weldable using standard processes like GTAW (TIG) and SMAW (Stick), but requires care due to its high aluminum content, which can lead to hot cracking. Use of matching or over-alloyed filler metals (e.g., alloys with higher niobium content) is recommended. Post-weld heat treatment is advisable to restore optimum corrosion and oxidation resistance in the heat-affected zone. The standard heat treatment for bar stock is solution annealing at 1150-1200°C followed by rapid cooling to achieve the best combination of ductility and high-temperature performance.

Reference Pricing and Key Purchasing Factors

The price of Inconel 602CA bar from Shanghai NC Metal Materials Co., Ltd. is influenced by its specialized composition, particularly the high-cost additions of yttrium and zirconium, and the premium associated with its niche, high-performance application space.

Pricing Factor	Impact on Reference Price	Procurement Guidance
Specialty Alloying Elements (Y, Zr, High Al)	The addition of yttrium and precise control of high aluminum and carbon content make this a premium-priced alloy, significantly more expensive than common grades like Inconel 600 or 601.	This alloy is selected for its specific performance, not cost. Ensure its superior oxidation/carburization resistance is genuinely required for the application to justify the investment.
Manufacturing Scale and Availability	As a niche alloy, it is not produced in the same high volumes as mainstream superalloys. This lower production scale and the specialized melting (often VIM/VAR) contribute to a higher base cost.	Lead times may be longer than for standard alloys. Plan procurement accordingly for project timelines.
Form and Size	Large diameter forging billets and custom extruded or drawn shapes carry a premium. Standard hot-rolled round bar is the most readily available and cost-effective form.	Design components to use standard bar sizes. Complex shapes might be more economically produced from bar via machining rather than seeking a custom extruded profile.
Certification and Testing	Certification to specific high-temperature property guarantees (e.g., oxidation weight gain per ASTM G54, carburization testing) or for use in pressure equipment (ASME approval) adds to the cost.	Discuss with Shanghai NC Metal Materials Co., Ltd. the availability of standard mill certifications and whether project-specific testing data is available from prior orders to avoid duplicate testing charges.

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