Nuclear Applications for Inconel 718
Inconel 718 serves critical roles in nuclear power plants where its combination of high strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent relaxation resistance at elevated temperatures makes it irreplaceable. The alloy maintains bolt preload over decades of service under neutron irradiation and high-temperature primary coolant exposure—a requirement that eliminates most alternative materials. Key applications include reactor vessel closure studs and nuts, control rod drive mechanism springs and bolting, pressurizer heater sleeves, core support structure fasteners, and fuel assembly hold-down springs.
The Growing SMR Market
The emerging small modular reactor (SMR) market represents a significant growth area for Inconel 718 components. SMR designs from companies like NuScale, X-energy, and TerraPower require high-performance materials for heat exchangers, reactor vessel internals, and structural fasteners. Inconel 718's proven track record in conventional nuclear plants, combined with its availability, established material databases, and ASME code qualification, makes it a natural selection for these next-generation reactor designs. CastAlloy is positioned to serve this expanding market through our established superalloy manufacturing capabilities and nuclear-compatible quality systems.
Manufacturing and Quality
Nuclear components demand the highest levels of material integrity, traceability, and documentation. CastAlloy produces Inconel 718 nuclear components through forging for maximum mechanical properties and casting for complex geometries, followed by precision CNC machining to final specifications. Our quality system supports nuclear-grade requirements including material certified to ASME SB-637, full heat traceability, enhanced NDE including ultrasonic and radiographic inspection, and comprehensive documentation packages. Contact us to discuss your nuclear Inconel 718 requirements.