

ASME SA738 /ASTM A738 nuclear power steel plate
ASME SA738 / ASTM A738 plates are high-strength, low-alloy steel materials designed for nuclear power containment structures.
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1.Excellent Weldability and Toughness
2.Wide Range of Grades and Thicknesses
3.Compliant with Global Standards
ASME SA738 /ASTM A738 nuclear power steel description
ASME SA738 / ASTM A738 Pressure Vessel Plates are high-strength, low-alloy steel materials specifically designed for nuclear power applications. As a leading China-based manufacturer and bulk exporter, we supply Grade A, B, and C plates with superior fracture toughness, weldability, and resistance to brittle fracture, making them ideal for reactor containment vessels and nuclear safety components.
Our SA738 steel plates are available in thicknesses ranging from 10mm to 100mm, fully compliant with ASME Section III & ASTM A738 standards. They are widely used by nuclear plant fabricators, EPC contractors, and heavy equipment manufacturers requiring ultra-high reliability in extreme conditions.
ASME SA738 /ASTM A738-Chemical Composition/Tensile Requirements
| ASME SA738 /ASTM A738 -Chemical Composition (%) | |||
| Element | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.90–1.60 | 0.90–1.60 | 0.90–1.60 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.025 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.025 | ≤ 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15–0.50 | 0.15–0.50 | 0.15–0.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤ 0.12 | ≤ 0.12 | ≤ 0.12 |
| Vanadium (V) | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.35 | ≤ 0.35 |
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 0.020 | ≥ 0.020 | ≥ 0.020 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.015 | ≤ 0.015 | ≤ 0.015 |
| ASME SA738 /ASTM A738 -Mechanical Properties | |||
| Property | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485–620 | 550–690 | 620–795 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 345 | ≥ 415 | ≥ 485 |
| Elongation (%) (min) | ≥ 18 | ≥ 16 | ≥ 16 |
| Charpy Impact (J) at -46°C | ≥ 27 | ≥ 27 | ≥ 27 |
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ASME SA738 /ASTM A738 nuclear power steel Application
ASME SA738 / ASTM A738 steel plates are specifically designed for high-performance applications in the nuclear power industry. These plates are widely used in the construction of nuclear containment vessels, reactor pressure vessels, and safety-related structures due to their exceptional strength, toughness, and resistance to radiation-induced embrittlement.
In nuclear power plants, SA738 Grade B is commonly employed for primary containment structures, where it ensures integrity under high pressure and extreme operating conditions. Its superior fracture toughness and low-temperature impact properties make it ideal for safeguarding against catastrophic failure. The steel is also utilized in auxiliary systems, such as steam generators and cooling water tanks, where reliability is critical.
Additionally, SA738 plates meet stringent nuclear safety standards, including resistance to neutron irradiation and long-term durability. Their excellent weldability and formability allow for precise fabrication of complex components, making them a preferred choice for nuclear EPC contractors and heavy equipment manufacturers worldwide.


