Cryogenic Treatment Enhances the Performance of Metals

Cryogenic treatment, which is sometimes called cryogenic freezing or cryogenic processing, utilizes ultra-cold temperatures to modify the micro-structure of metals and other materials. Cryo treatment has been widely adopted as a cost reduction and performance enhancing technology. Cryogenic freezing is also used as an enabling technology, when its stress relieving benefits are utilized to permit the fabrication (or machining) of critical tolerance parts.

The cryogenic treatment process uses sub-zero cryogenic temperatures down to –300ºF to modify the micro-structure of the material. Cryo treatment promotes additional transformations in metals. Cryogenic freezing ultimately improves the performance of the metal. We have several different cryogenic processors to complete cryogenic freezing for your parts. One of our processors is 70" long x 19" wide x 25" deep. Our other cryogenic processor is 84" long x 36" wide x 34" deep.

Cryogenic treatment is an extension of the heat-treating process that further enhances metals in the following ways:

1. Relieves residual stresses
2. Promotes a more uniform micro-structure
3. Precipitates eta-carbides in steels for increased resistance to wear

Cryo treated metals enjoy the following benefits:

1. Longer life due to reduced wear
2. Less failures due to cracking that result from the propagation of stress lines
3. Improved thermal properties
4. Better electrical properties with reduced electrical resistance
5. Reduced coefficient of friction on polished metals
6. Less creep & walk, and improved flatness for critical tolerance parts
7. Easier machining, polishing and grinding for better edges and finishes

Cryogenic freezing can make a major contribution to solving these problems:

1. High abrasive wear in cutting tools, molds, dies, brake rotors, gears, engine components, etc.
2. High corrosive wear in chemical, food, and oil equipment applications.
3. High erosive wear from, water, slurries and other abrasive grit carriers.
4. Distortions induced by design, forming, machining or environment.
5. Stress relief in complex tools, components, and welds.
6. Stress relief cracking of weld zones.
7. Surface finishing in any application where long life is needed.
8. Stabilization in parts and components as a result of stresses.
9. Machinability in aluminum and copper parts.
10. Electrode life in copper resistance welding electrodes (Type 1, 2, 3, 4, 11 & 13).

The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. offers cryogenic treatment for many industrial and recreational applications including (Click a Teal Link below):

1. Motor Sports Engines & Transmissions
2. Brake Rotors for racing and fleet vehicles
3. Cutting Tools & Knives
4. Machine Tools
5. Copper Wire & Electrical Components
6. Stamping Tools
7. Punch & Die Sets
8. Carbide Tools
9. Slitter Knives
10. Machine Tools
11. Precision Machined Components
12. Broaches
13. Electrodes
14. Audio Tubes, Power Supplies, and Conditioners
15. Wood Cutting and Shaping Tools & Blades
16. Saw Blades
17. Drilling
18. Firearms and Gun Barrels
19. Softball Bats
20. Golf Clubs
21. Heat Sinks
22. Molds
23. Nylon Materials
24. Etc.

For more technical information click here.

For more information on stress relief click here.

If you have questions regarding Cryogenic Treatment, please call us at (800) 739-7949 or (508) 459-7447, or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com.