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:
• Relieves residual stresses
• Promotes a more uniform micro-structure
• Precipitates eta-carbides in steels for increased resistance to wear
• Cryo treated metals enjoy the following benefits:
• Longer life due to reduced wear
• Less failures due to cracking that result from the propagation of stress lines
• Improved thermal properties
• Better electrical properties with reduced electrical resistance
• Reduced coefficient of friction on polished metals
• Less creep & walk, and improved flatness for critical tolerance parts
• Easier machining, polishing and grinding for better edges and finishes

Cryogenic freezing can make a major contribution to solving these problems:
• High abrasive wear in cutting tools, molds, dies, brake rotors, gears, engine  
    components, etc.
• High corrosive wear in chemical, food, and oil equipment applications.
• High erosive wear from, water, slurries and other abrasive grit carriers.
• Distortions induced by design, forming, machining or environment.
• Stress relief in complex tools, components, and welds.
• Stress relief cracking of weld zones.
• Surface finishing in any application where long life is needed.
• Stabilization in parts and components as a result of stresses.
• Machinability in aluminum and copper parts