REYNOLDS 953 MARAGING STAINLESS STEEL
Reynold's latest innovation takes steel alloys into a new league. By utilising a specially developed martensitic-aging stainless steel alloy that can achieve tensile strength in excess of 2000 MPa, with a strength-to-weight ratio that can take on the best in the world. The resilient ride of steel, very high impact strength (similar to armour plating) and fatigue resistance combine to provide an extraordinary material that can now be used for tubing.
Reynolds work with directly with fabricators to provide recommended production techniques, so that the challenges inherent in using an extremely hard metal can be overcome.
953 - the Age of the SuperSteel.
Why it works:
UTS: 1750-2050 MPa, density 7.8 gm/cc
High strength and stainless designation from very low carbon, chromium, nickel, titanium, manganese etc. Iron-Nickel martensitic lath crystals are formed after annealing/cooling and the formation of fine inter-metallic precipitates after ageing are reflected in the high tensile strength but reasonably ductile properties. Low carbides allow machinability despite the near tool steel hardness.

SEAMLESS AIR-HARDENING
HEAT-TREATED STEEL
The benefits of air-hardening steels are particularly noticeable in the weld area where, unlike conventional steel alloys, strength can actually increase after cooling in air immediately after welding. 853 is heat-treated to give high strength and damage resistance, and the steel properties allow thin walls to be used, so that lower weight but fatigue-resistant structures can be made.
Why it works:
UTS: 1250-1400 MPa, density 7.78 gm/cc
The chemistry includes carbon, manganese, chrome, molybdenum, silicon, copper.
The interaction between the alloys result in a fine grain structure that forms with air-cooling without the traditional "quenching" (fast cooling in water or oil) process. High strength from bainitic phase steel after a series of cold-working operations.
Heat-treatment to the 853 specification raises the yield strength for the entire tube, increasing dent and impact resistance.

SEAMLESS AIR-HARDENING
HEAT-TREATED STEEL
Utilising the same chemistry as 853, this product is cold-worked and also has the advantages of air-hardening after welding. The alloy is a development on our famous 531 range with 10% higher strength. For cycling use, this provides tough, durable and comfortable frames particularly suitable for long distance riding, ATB and BMX . It has recently become available for touring and race fork blades.
631 can also be used for sports car chassis, suspension units, motorcycle race frames etc. in welded and fillet-brazed structures. In most applications, it should not be necessary to stress-relieve the weld zone.
Why it works:
UTS: 800-900 MPa, density 7.78 gm/cc.
As 853 in composition but tube strength results from the extensive cold-working of the seamless billet without a final heat-treatment. The TIG welded part of the tube still benefits from the air-hardening feature that results in a fine grain structure within the heat-affected zone.

HEAT-TREATED
CHROME-MOLY STEEL
Using an industry standard alloy with mechanical properties similar to our famous 753 brand, Reynolds mandrel butt and heat-treat this alloy so that thinner walls can be used compared to non-heat-treated steels. 725 can be TIG welded and used within our "Designer Select" combinations including 853 and 631 tubes.
Why it works:
UTS: 1080-1280 MPa, density 7.78gm/cc
Based on a 0.3% carbon steel alloy which has been heat-treated and back-tempered for increased ductility. The chromium content promotes hardenability and resistance to oxidation. The molybdenum works in conjunction with the chrome to stabilize the alloy and maintain strength after heat-treatment and in use.