Cryogenic Treatment Enhances the Performance of Metals

Cryogenic treatment, which is sometimes called cryogenic tempering, utilizes ultra-cold temperatures to modify the micro-structure of metals and other materials. It has been widely adopted as a cost reduction and performance enhancing technology. It 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 temperatures down to –300ºF to modify the micro-structure of the material.  Cryogenic treatment promotes additional transformations in metals. It ultimately improves the performance of the metal.

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 grain structure
3. Precipitates eta-carbides in steels for increased resistance to wear
4. Results in a more uniform micro-structure for improved performance

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 treatment 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. cryogenically treats and processes many industrial and recreational applications including:

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