By utilizing cryogenic treatment technologies, we are able to offer a full range of thermal cycling processes for a range of applications. Most commonly, cryogenic thermal cycling is used for residual stress relief in metals and other materials. We offer standard profiles or we can follow specific formulas or recipes as called out in MIL/DOD Specifications or Procedures or as written on part drawings. We also work with clients to develop new processes that maximize stress relief in their parts and specialize in stress relieving applications relating to new materials, such as composites, polymers and exotic metal alloys. Our capabilities also include Liquid Helium processing for creating temperature extremes as low as -459°F or 5.2 K.

• Relieving Residual Stresses in Metals and other Materials- The principle of cryogenic stress relief lies in observations made by Bose of Germany and later, Einstein, that materials are at their most relaxed state when they have the least amount of kinetic energy or molecular activity. Absolute zero, -273°C,  -459°F or O K (O Kelvin), is the theoretical point that describes the temperature at which no further energy can be extracted from a material. Hence, when at absolute zero, materials are at their most relaxed state, and inherent residual stresses are relieved. Once these stresses are removed, they do not return to their pre-treatment levels once they are returned to ambient temperature under controlled conditions. To maximize the benefit of cryogenic stress relief, controlled cycling of the parts is often repeated up to six (or more) times. In addition, cold ramps are often followed with a heat ramp under controlled heating and cooling rates. At the Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc., we can provide a full range of cryogenic thermal cycles to meet your exacting requirement or specifications.

• Parts Conditioning Prior to Exposure to Extreme Temperature Environments – Engineers and designers often want to expose parts that will see hostile temperature extremes to these temperatures before they are put into service. This is true of aerospace components, for example, that may see a very wide range of temperature extremes when deployed in space or in other aeronautical applications. Other examples include transfer pipes, valve components, and industrial equipment that will see very cold temperatures or cryogenic fluids on a regular or periodic basis. At the Cryogenic Institute of New England, we can thermally cycle your parts or custom components through a full range of high and low temperature cycles to ensure that they will perform flawlessly in field application.

• Support of Lab and R & D Work for Cryogenic Testing – When developing new material solutions, or when applying existing materials to new applications, engineers are often unaware of how exposure to extreme cold may affect the performance of the material.  We not only help develop test protocols and procedures for such cold applications, but can also conduct the testing in our labs at the Cryogenic Institute of New England. Inc. 

We have worked with a wide range of techniques and materials to accomplish the objectives of our clients. These include using temperature controlled atmospheric chambers (for heating and cooling), immersion of parts in different cryogens, such as liquid nitrogen (LN2), carbon dioxide (CO2), neon (Ne), liquid helium (LHe), as well as using boiling liquids and frozen solids. Our unique capability to provide Liquid Helium processing permits us to reach temperature as low as 5 K or -450°F the closest practical temperature point to absolute zero. See our page on Liquid Helium Processing for more information on helium applications.

At The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc. we have substantial knowledge and experience in thermal cycling.  We have completed work for U.S. Government agencies, MIL and DOD contractors, universities and private industry.  Call us today for more information at 800 739-7949 or email us at info@nitrofreeze.com.