Materials for Nuclear: Pipes, Plates & Alloys

Materials for Nuclear

Nuclear power and fuel-cycle facilities use austenitic stainless steels and nickel alloys for their corrosion resistance, toughness and stability under long service. Materials for safety-related systems must be supplied under the applicable nuclear quality programme and code (for example ASME Section III). This page describes material families only. Qualified nuclear supply must be confirmed case by case.

Key materials

Product forms

Markets

Standards

On this page 10 sections

Quick answer
Challenges
Materials
Popular products
Standards
Applications
Markets
Procurement
Explore more
FAQs

Which materials are used in nuclear?

Quick answer

SS 304L Stainless Steel for piping and tanks for water and waste systems; SS 316L Stainless Steel for process and auxiliary systems; Inconel 600 for historic steam-generator and sensor applications; Inconel 625 for corrosion-resistant components and cladding; Incoloy 800 for steam-generator tubing in some designs.

What are the material challenges in nuclear?

Long design life with strict traceability

Stress corrosion cracking in high-temperature water

Low cobalt and controlled chemistry requirements

Qualification under nuclear quality programmes

Materials we supply for this industry

The key materials for nuclear and the duty each one covers.

Key materials for Nuclear
Material	Typical use	Grade family
SS 304L Stainless Steel	Piping and tanks for water and waste systems	Stainless Steel
SS 316L Stainless Steel	Process and auxiliary systems	Stainless Steel
Inconel 600	Historic steam-generator and sensor applications	Nickel Alloys
Inconel 625	Corrosion-resistant components and cladding	Nickel Alloys
Incoloy 800	Steam-generator tubing in some designs	Nickel Alloys
SS 317L Stainless Steel	Condensers and auxiliary heat exchangers	Stainless Steel

Which standards apply?

Related applications

Nuclear markets we supply

United KingdomAberdeen and North-East Scotland (offshore energy)FranceRhône-Alpes (chemicals, engineering)

Procurement considerations

Specify grade, specification and edition
Define tests and certificates (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)
Include third-party inspection and PMI where required
Confirm marking, packing and destination documentation

We support nuclear buyers with documentation and inspection and value-added services.

Explore more

Guides

Related industries

Applications

Frequently asked questions

Can Bright Tubes supply nuclear-grade material?

Material for safety-related nuclear service must meet the specific code and quality-programme requirements of the project. Share the specification and quality requirements with your enquiry so feasibility can be confirmed before any commitment.

Which product forms do you supply for nuclear?

Pipes, Tubes, Plates, Bars, in the grades listed above, from stock or mill-sourced with EN 10204 certificates.

Which standards apply to nuclear materials?

Commonly ASTM A312, ASTM A240, ASTM B163, EN 10204, plus project and code requirements.

Do you supply nuclear projects outside India?

Yes, including United Kingdom, France.