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Cryogenic Processing – Cold Treating Metals

Large Freezer Capacity

Certain metal alloys may exhibit enhanced wear properties after going through a very low temperature process called cryogenic processing. In addition, certain parts are required to be cryogenically stabilized prior to entering their life in space. There have been many claims made on this subject but we don’t make any, we let you be the judge. There is no question, however, it is widely done and there are many who swear by it.

 

What is Cryogenic Processing?

Cryogenic processing is in the sub-zero (below 0°C) range, though it is not well defined at what point on the temperature scale refrigeration ends and cryogenics begins. DCT (Deep Cryogenic Treatment) is considered below −180°C (−292.00°F) range.

Cryogenic processing requires a process of time and temperatures (some above sub-zero) to achieve the required end result without damage to the product. The alloy or product and customer requirements determine the process requirements.

Here you can find some good information on cryogenic processing.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has chosen temperatures below −180°C or −292.00°F, The Cryogenics Society of America has chosen temperatures below −153°C or −244.00°F and Wikipedia defines cryogenics as a process of treating workpieces to cryogenic temperatures below −190°C or −310°F.

 

How will Cryogenic Processing Benefit You?

Cryogenic treatment improves wear resistance and lengthens service life, giving you the edge in the competition against manufacturing costs and product superiority.

Cryogenic effects have been most widely studied in the context of engineering steels, where it is used to complete the heat treatment process. In the common heat treat practice, the conversion from austenite to martensite is incomplete, which results in internal stresses that can weaken the metal and compromise its dimensional stability. What Cryogenics does, in effect, is complete the quenching process so that most of the retained austenite – the source of the internal stresses – is converted to martensite. The benefits can be dramatic. When cryogenics is used to treat tool steels, for instance, tool life is typically improved by 200-400%, and in some cases 600%.

Although Cryogenics effect on steel is the most understood, the technique is also quite widely applied to other metals and products such as iron, titanium, aluminum, brass and to non-metallic materials such as plastics, musical instruments which have been found to produce a better tone and sustained resonance after cryogenic processing. Also, brake rotors, engine components, off-road equipment, knives and cutting tools. Its benefits are well known throughout the performance race industry, from the weekend warrior to the multi-million dollar race teams.

Some of the terms used in cryogenic processing: DCT (Deep Cryogenic Treatment), deep cryogenic processing, deep-freezing and sub-zero stabilization.

 

Examples of Life Improvements in Metals

Examples below of before and after improvements of particular tools after being exposed to cold processing

Tooling	Average life before treatment	Average life after treatment	Wear Ratio *
5-cm end mills used to cut C1605 steel	64 parts	200 parts	3.07
Hacksaw blades used to cut bosses on M107 shells	4 h	6 h	1.5
Zone punches used on shell casings	64 shells	5,820 shells	82.5
Nosing thread dies used in metal working	225 shells	487 shells	2.12
Copper resistance welding tips	2 weeks	6 weeks	3.0
Progressive dies used in metal working	40,000 hits	250,000 hits	6.25
Blanking of heat treated 4140 and 1095 steel	1000 pieces	2000 pieces	2.0
Broach used on a C1020 steel torque tube	1,810 parts	8,602 parts	4.75
Broaching operation on forged connecting rods	1,500 parts	8,600 parts	5.73
Gang milling T-nuts from C1018 steel with M2 cutters	3 bars	14 bars	4.67
AMT-38 cut-off blades	60 h	928 h	15.4

Table above shows tools being exposed to sub-zero treatment to improve wear ratio and overall life of the tool.

Cryogenic processing, originally developed for aerospace applications, has been used for over 30 years to improve the properties of metals.

* Wear ratio = Life after treatment / Life before treatment

 

 

Unique Capabilities

• -320°F Capability
• Large freezer capacity (up to 8 feet)
• Controlled cooling and warming (if desired)
• Enhanced warming process minimizes condensation staining
• Production or one-off jobs
• ITAR Registered

 

Materials Processed

• Alloy Steels
• Stainless Steels
• Carbides
• Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
• Cast Irons
• And many others!