Dry Ice Blasting For Mold Removal

On Friday, June 26th we had the opportunity to complete a dry ice blast cleaning job in the suburbs of Boston. Like many other dry ice blasting jobs, this one was dirty. The job site involved a newly acquired house that had undergone some problems last winter. The previous owner was hospitalized and the home ran out of heating oil. As a result, pipes burst leaving water in the basement. As the water evaporated, mold and mildew were left on the rafters in the ceiling of the basement. The photo to the right shows the job before we went into clean. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture taken after our work, but I can assure you that the wood rafters were clean of mold and mildew. After review of the site, it was apparent that dry ice blast cleaning would be an effective way to remove the mold both in time and cost.

Mold remediation requires several steps to be fully effective. The first step involves drying the area that has become moist, allowing the mold to grow. The second step involves removing the mold from the surface that is contaminated. This can be done via sanding, sand blasting, soda blasting, dry ice blasting and by other means. The third step is to use a mold remediation product that will ensure that the offending mold will not rejuvenate. The final step is to monitor the areas that had mold to make sure that the problem does not re-surface.

Here at the Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc., we offer dry ice blast cleaning as a service. We are more than capable of cleaning mold from various surfaces. However, we do not employ mold remediation products to the surfaces that have been cleaned. The customer has the option to do this themselves or hire a contractor to complete the final steps of mold remediation.

Any person with a potential mold problem should consider the options before taking up the project. Utilizing sand blasting and soda blasting will result in a significantly larger clean up. Not only will the cleaned surfaces have run-off but so will the process. I can’t imagine blasting sand everywhere and then having to clean it all up. Sanding mold off will take a very long time and will be labor intensive. But, dry ice blast cleaning is different. The surfaces cleaned will result in run-off on the floor, but the dry ice will evaporate. Therefore, cleaning is limited to a sweep, vacuum, and mop. In terms of time, the clean-up will be much shorter utilizing dry ice blasting.

Next time you have a mold problem and need the mold removed, call us at 800-739-7949. We will come to your location and review the problem. Then we will provide you with a quotation for the job. When it comes to mold, you want it gone the first time with as little extra work as needed. Utilizing our dry ice blast cleaning service is a step in the right direction.

For more information about dry ice blast cleaning, please visit the link below.

Dry Ice Blast Cleaning for New England

Import Wars Racing Event at the New England Dragway in Epping, NH

On June 20, 2009 I had the opportunity to head up to Epping, New Hampshire to the New England Dragway. Although, I have visited many car shows for both new and classic cars; I have never visited a race track. Since I arrived very early in the morning, it was very desolate with just a few cars around. I knew that by the end of the day, I would see massive rubber smoke plumes and many performance tuned vehicles flying down the track.

The reason I headed up to Epping, NH for the day was because one our authorized dealers, Team XXX Racing was running an event called “Import Wars”. “Import Wars” is a racing event with a total of four track days. The first two have already transpired. The first was on May 23 and the second was on June 20. There are two track days left for the event. One will be on Saturday, August 29 and the finale will take place on Saturday, October 24. The final event is supposed to be the best of the year with hundreds of cars attending for the day. Even better, the competitors will all be looking to bring home the gold, and with it being the last event of the season, they will do whatever is necessary. It can be expected that spectators will probably see some blown up engines and transmissions that day, because limits will be pushed. Hence the reason why they might want to get wear items cryogenically treated before the final event.

If you would like to join the upcoming “Import Wars” events, then take a look at the Team XXX Racing site here at http://www.teamxxxracing.com. “Import Wars” involves index racing which is simply old-school drag racing. The racer has to do two things very well to win. First, the racer must cut a light very well. Second, the racer needs to run close to the index to become the winner.

As a sponsor for Team XXX Racing, we provided gift certificates to the 1st and 2nd place winners, as well as the top two semi-finalists. The same will happen at the next two events and hopefully, for many more years to come. The owner of Team XXX Racing, Rob Ingles, set up a display in the vendor section at the dragway. Team XXX Racing, Nitrofreeze, and Boston Dyno (http://www.bostondyno.com) all joined in the booth to provide our products and services. We met a lot of good people who were interested in motor sports and high performance vehicles. Many of them had limitless knowledge on import vehicles and performance parts. It was fun to get out there and finally meet the die-hard fans of racing and see their vehicles as well.

During the day I was able to see several races. Some were just ridiculous with vehicles flying down the track that you never thought could go that fast. Some even bounced up in the air as they took off from the line due to high amounts of torque. As stated earlier, there was a lot of burnt rubber in the air, especially before the cars lined up to race. Each would get a chance to burn some rubber before moving up to the starting line. It was a great way to spend a sunny but cloudy morning and afternoon.

The “Import Wars – Showdown” event resulted with the owner of Team XXX Racing, Rob Ingles, taking first place with his Acura RSX. The second place winner and runner-up did a great job too. Overall, it was a small showing for the day, but fun nonetheless. Unfortunately, rain had been predicted for much of the weekend and it had already rained for several days this past week. This resulted in many racers not attending the event, even though we ended up with a cloudy but sunny, humid day.

I will be attending the next two events, so feel free to come by and visit our booth in the vendor’s section. Remember, the dates are August 29 and October 24. If you have to pick just one, go in October; we are expecting a blow-out. Below are the links to the sponsors of “Import Wars”.

Http://www.nitrofreeze.com - Cryogenic Treatment for Motor Sports
Http://www.teamxxxracing.com – Race Club and Performance Parts Sales
Http://www.bostondyno.com – Dyno and Performance Tuning

That’s all for now, but we hope to see you at the remaining events. Thank you.

Shrink Fitting Tight Tolerance Parts

Shrink fitting has been one of our service offerings since our inception in 2002. We are capable of shrink fitting all types of parts and have seen some very diverse applications. We have shrink fitted parts that are only a few inches in length as well as parts that are more than 20 feet in length.

But why choose shrink fitting? Shrink fitting is the best method to insert parts into a housing when press fitting will not allow it. Shrink fitting is capable of creating assemblies that require very tight tolerances. The bottom line is that conventional press fitting methods have limitations as to what they can mechanically force into a housing.

Our shrink fitting process is often referred to as compression shrink fitting. We cool the insert utilizing a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide. This allows the insert to contract in size due to the drop in temperature. At the same time the housing that the insert is to be put in is heated. By heating up the housing, the opening is expanded through the increase in temperature. After the insert has reached equilibrium and the housing has been heated; the parts are finally fitted to create one assembly.

Some shrink fitting jobs that we have completed have not required both heating and cooling. But in cases where tight tolerances exist, a multi-step approach must be employed. This multi-step approach simply involves cooling of an insert and heating of a housing.

When choosing a shrink fitting vendor, one should choose one with extensive experience. Shrink fitting certain types of metals can result in a need for further processing after the shrink fitting process is completed. Only experienced vendors are aware of these extra steps. Additionally, it is important to choose the correct profiles for heating housings made of different materials. Otherwise, thermal stresses can be induced on the parts to be shrink fitted.

We have completed hundreds of shrink fitting jobs for large multinational conglomerates, military contractors, research labs, and transportation companies. We are more than capable of handling your shrink fitting requirements and applications.

Deburring Nylon & Delrin

Last week, we exhibited at the Eastec 2009 Tradeshow at the Big “E” Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA. We met many new people who have burr issues with materials ranging from plastics to aerospace alloys. Although many of these people and their companies try to remove burrs while machining; they still find themselves with some sort of burr issue. While a significant portion of these burr issues were with metals; there were two other materials that kept being mentioned. Nylon and Delrin were two materials that had workers seeking a new solution for removing burrs.

Nylon and Delrin were problematic in terms of machining, but also with molding. Many molders had flash issues while molding these two types of materials. While we would all love to use an alternative material and just forget our burr and flash issues; it’s not that simple. Customers’ needs must be met and fulfilled. The bottom line is that they choose the material. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s Nylon or Delrin.

Many of the people we spoke with at the show are using hand deburring and deflashing. They do it because it keeps operations in-house and is relatively cheap. But, they all agree on two things. First, hand deburring lacks consistency across each part that is deburred. Second, although hand deburring is cheap it can be time consuming. It seems that most manufacturers dislike using Nylon and Delrin due to the residual burrs and flash it creates. When this work is done by hand, it is not unusual to see more burrs created.

Do I have a solution for manufacturers with Nylon and Delrin burr and flash issues? Yes, I do. Our company cannot accommodate every single part that comes through the door; due to size and other restrictions. But, we have had a strong track record deburring and deflashing these two materials. There are many advantages to outsourcing deburring and deflashing for materials like Nylon and Delrin. First, burrs and flash will be removed consistently amongst your parts. No gouges or chips in places that render parts unusable. Second, we will run your parts within two days of receipt. Your parts won’t sit in our facility for two weeks before we run them. Third, all those employees doing hand deburring can be re-assigned to other projects. Fourth, with prices per part as low as $0.02 each; how can it not make sense?

For more information about our services, visit the following links.

Cryogenic Deburring
Cryogenic Deflashing
Electromagnetic Micro Deburring

Give us a call today at 508 459-7447 or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com. We would be pleased to review your parts and see if we can solve your burr and flash issues.

Tuning your car? Destroying Transmissions? This Might Help…

We all know modifying your car equals sweet speed and better performance but, the resulting gains in torque and horsepower can cause some serious issues to your stock parts. I am not the one to decide but ECU tuning is a great start for anyone looking for increased performance but, with each stage of increased horsepower and torque, mechanical parts must be replaced for the tune to work correctly. In particular, you may need to add parts such as an air intake, intercooler, exhaust, downpipe, stronger pistons, larger cams, or bigger turbos.

But, what about that transmission in your newly tuned car? Its stock and all you did was change the transmission oil previous to tuning the car. It is understood that not all tuned cars need their transmissions to be upgraded if only doing a stage 1 or 2 tune. However, it is highly dependent on the vehicle itself. The biggest issue arises from transmissions that are not made for the extra wear and tear from the extra tuned power. Other transmissions are built to handle extra power but only to a certain point. No matter what, tuning usually results in an upgraded clutch sooner or later.

So, if you are tuning that car or truck and adding significant power, then you need to think about your transmission. Some people have the money to buy a custom upgraded transmission; many do not and will go with a used transmission. Regardless of it being new or used, you should consider cryogenically treating your transmission gears and synchros before putting it all back together, especially if you are tuning that car significantly.

Cryogenically treating your transmission gears and synchros will increase their wear resistance significantly. They will wear far less when pushing out all that newly tuned power through them. At the same time, residual austenite will be converted to stronger martensite. This improves the structural integrity of the part and will keep it from flexing under stress. Cryo treating these gears and synchros will ensure that the transmission does not need to be torn down for years to come. Many people think that cryogenic treatment is a very expensive process. Gears and synchros can be cryo treated for less than several hundred dollars. In the case of 4 cylinders, treating these parts is less than $100 dollars. So, if you are going to spend money on new parts and equipment for your transmission, why not ensure that they last?

For more information about cryogenic treatment and its application to auto, truck, and motorcycle equipment, please visit http://www.nitrofreeze.com/racing.html.

Deflashing for Plastics

In these interesting economic times, it is hard to get the funding to replace molds and their associated tooling. It is understandable for companies to replace their molds as it removes several secondary operations from the manufacturing process. If funding is not available for mold replacement, then we have the solution to help keep mold houses producing parts on old molds.

As molds wear, seams develop and enlarge. During the molding operation excess material squeezes into these seams and flash develops. When the parts are ejected from the mold, the problem appears. Flash can be seen on the external geometry of the part along parting lines and around edges. Sometimes excess flash can even end up in inner dimensions due to through holes and cross holes. The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. offers deflashing solutions for the removal of flash from molded plastic parts.

First, we offer our deflashing service for the removal of flash from molded parts. Our company uses a form of deflashing termed cryogenic deflashing. Cryogenic deflashing utilizes freezing temperatures, polycarbonate media, and batch processing to remove flash. Rather than have several people remove flash by hand (which raises workman’s compensation through cut fingers) at slow speeds; we are able to deflash thousands of parts daily at significantly lower costs. Automation of our deflashing operation lowers your costs and allows your workers to do more productive things with their time.

Another option that we offer is cryogenic deflashing equipment sales. If you have a large enough operation and require deflashing from day to day then this may be your best option. We offer several models for cryogenic deflashing, from table top models to full size standalone units. These deflashing units are among the most efficient in terms of liquid nitrogen consumption available today.

Finally, if we cannot deflash particular parts then we will find a company who can. Through our many contacts in the deflashing and deburring industry, we will be able to find a solution for your flash problem. Many of these contacts are also capable of sourcing machinery if required.

Before we do any production orders of deflashing for your parts, we require samples. Through our sampling process we are able to calculate batch size and pricing. We also request that you include a drawing when sending a sample if possible. For imformation about the deflashing process take a look on our web page titled Deflashing, Cryogenic Deflashing, and Deflashing Plastic - Cryogenic Institute. So, call us today at 800-739-7949. We have the solution to your deflashing problem.

Cryogenic Treatment Service Provider to Offer Brake Parts In-House

I have been distributing this press release across the web. As always I wanted to post it on our blog for even better visibility. In short, our company is now able to source rotors for our customers from various vendors. Our relationships with our vendors allow us to pass on deep discounts to our customers. Anyways, take a look at the press release below...

Cryogenic Treatment Service Provider to Offer Brake Parts In-House

Worcester, MA – March 25, 2009 – The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. is pleased to announce the capability to provide brake rotors and pads for cryogenic treatment at our facility. This latest development is a result of the company’s commitment to meet the needs of auto and racing enthusiasts. The company currently provides its Nitrofreeze® cryogenic treatment service for brake rotors and pads as well as many other motorsports applications.

“We believe that adding this capability of providing our customers with brake parts will further save them money”, stated Ryan M. Taylor, Product Marketing Specialist at the Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. In recent times with more expensive fuel prices, shipping costs have grown exponentially. Sheering off one leg of shipment can create a significant cost-savings that can be realized by consumers, especially when a brake rotor weighs over 15 pounds. “This capability allows us to purchase brake rotors and pads at a significant discount, which we are able to then pass on to our customers”, added Taylor.

The capability to purchase brake rotors and pads on behalf of our customers allows us to pass on deep discounts. Through several local vendors we are able to source OEM and aftermarket brake parts for our customers. Brands available include AC Delco, Brembo, Raybestos, Zimmerman, Pagid, ATE and many others. Purchasing brake rotors and pads for cryogenic treatment directly through our company will be less expensive than having a customer source them and then ship them. Additionally, customers choose the type of brake rotors they want, whether they are original, cross-drilled or slotted.

In practice, brake parts will be purchased and delivered to the company’s cryogenic treatment lab in Worcester, Massachusetts, where they are subject to the Nitrofreeze® cryogenic treatment service. After cryo treatment, the brake rotors and pads are returned to the auto or racing enthusiast for final assembly. Purchasing these parts directly from the Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. saves on shipping, retail prices, and downtime.

Cryogenic treatment of brake rotors and pads offer many significant benefits. First, rotors will adopt a uniform grain structure which will improve thermal properties such as heat dissipation. This will allow the customers brakes to stop in shorter distances when hot. Second, residual stresses from the manufacturing process are removed. As a result, warping and cracking along the braking surface are drastically reduced. Finally, modifications within the microstructure improve toughness, part stability, and wear resistance. Rotors will last significantly longer than untreated rotors. “Our Nitrofreeze® cryogenic treatment service enables enthusiasts and everyday drivers to save money on labor costs and brake costs, while improving braking power and safety”, Taylor stated.

For more information about cryogenic treatment of brake parts, please visit our web page titled Cryogenic Treatment for Racing and Cryogenic Auto Part.

The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc., located at 90 Ellsworth St. Worcester, MA, is dedicated to the commercial application of cryogenic technologies to serve the needs of industry, government and scientists. The firm offers a full range of cryogenic services, including cryogenic treatment, heat & freeze thermal cycling, cryogenic deflashing & deburring services, shrink fitting services, and dry ice (CO2) blast cleaning. It also offers engineering services, cryogenic lab work in support of R & D, and custom equipment design for new and unique cryogenic applications. It is a corporate sustaining member of the Cryogenic Society of America. To learn more visit http://www.nitrofreeze.com.

The Cryogenic Institute of New England Inc. was founded by Robin Rhodes and he first documented the widespread use of cryogenic treatment in motor sports applications in a paper he presented at the 23rd Heat Treat Conference of the ASM Heat Treat Society, the world’s preeminent technical body on thermal processing of metals. Both Rhodes and the company have been featured in numerous stories and technical articles about cryogenic treatment. Most recently, this has included being featured in the racing industry’s leading technical journal, Race Engine Technology, for its Nitrofreeze® cryogenic treatment service.