Controlled Dry Cryogenic Process

What is a controlled dry cryogenic process?
Cryogenics, a product of aerospace research, refers to temperatures below (-280°F). A dry process means that material to be treated is not exposed to any cryogenic liquids, which eliminates the risk of thermal shock. The material is frozen through a thermo-dynamic refrigeration cycle. Controlled simply states that the entire process is performed according to a precise, prescribed time table. The material is cooled slowly, held for prolonged period of time, 20-60 hours, and allowed to return to room temperature slowly.

The treated material maintains its original size and shape throughout the cryogenic process. Although a material is stronger at lower temperatures, following treatment, they show no change in yield of tensile strength. The treated material does become less brittle but without losing hardness. What does change most significantly and considerably is an increase in the material's toughness, stability and wear resistivity.

In contrast to various other surface treatments, the dry cryogenic treatment is a one time only process and affects the material through and through. Re-sharpening or redressing of worn tools does not destroy the effects of the treatment. Tools may be new or used, sharp or dull.

Source: http://www.300below.com/press/magazine-articles/the-promise-of-cryo.html

Advancement of Cryogenic Science

All Aluminum and aluminum alloy castings have built-in stress due to the shrinkage of the molten metal after it cools in the molds. Some of these stresses can be reduced and in some areas eliminate by good casting design, by the foundry properly incorporating stress risers.

Castings that have to be machined for closer tolerances, flatness and better surface finishes will, in most cases, distort on these surfaces, which in turn affects the tolerances and flatness of the critical areas. This distortion starts when the outer layer is removed by machining.... this outer layer locks in the stresses and when removed, the machined surfaces will de distorted.

What can be done to relive these stresses before machining?
Through the advancement of cryogenic science, it has been discovered and proven that when these castings are treated in a cryogenic chamber at temperatures of 88°F Kelvin (-300°F) at a controlled time/temperature cycle, all internal stresses are relived. These components will now retain a flatness/parallelism here-to-fore not possible.

They will maintain a dimensional stability in their use function far above the non-treated part. This is due to the re-alignment of molecular structure that has been distorted during the casting or heat treating process. When these cryogenically treated castings are machined, there us no distortion on the machined surfaces… if there is a distortion, it is caused by improper machining, dull cutting tools, speeds and feeds being too slow and /or not enough material removed at the first cut.

Source: http://www.300below.com/press/magazine-articles/controlled-dry-cryogenic-process.html

Effects of cryogenic treatment and refrigerated air on tool wear when machining medium density fiberboard

Cooling of cutting tools with liquid coolants and lubricants is impractical when machining dry wood or wood composites. This study examines the combined effect of cryogenic tool treatment and using refrigerated air for cooling tools on reducing tool wear. A total of four, double-flute, solid, tungsten carbide router bits were used to machine medium density fiberboard with a CNC router.

Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TGJ-4VNH3V5-7&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=f65e1dbb7aeab394ff4a6af08bf74a69

New approach of cryogenically treating tools -Purdue University researcher

According to Robert Gazo, Purdue University researcher has discovered a way to save energy and money by cryogenically freezing tools for 24 hrs before use. Gazo along with other researchers has tried approaches to cool the tools, which include blowing refrigerated air onto the tools and cryogenically freezing the tools, as well as a combination of both. Professor Robert Gazo and other researcher tem has concluded that freezing tools for 24 hours before use allowed them to stay sharp longer, reduce repair and replacement costs.

According to John Koucky, president of 300 Below, Inc, the process changes the microstructure of the tools by lowering the temperature to 300 degrees below zero, then bringing back to ambient temperature.

Source: http://www.purdueexponent.org/index.php/module/Section/section_id/11?module=article&story_id=17068

Cryogenic motorsports engine treatment

Cryogenic treatment of both new engine and used engine by metal exposed to extreme cold temperatures. Engine is stripped down completely and indvidual components are treated through use of Nitrogen, this process allows enough gas into the chamber to cool the load to the desired point on the cooling profile.

Source: http://www.cartuningtips.com/105-cryogenic-engine-treatments

Cryotech treatment saves money and time

Cryotech process is proven as an effective treatment for tools, musical instruments, golf clubs, auto parts and other steel parts. The cryotech process has increased the results of wear resistance without diminishing hardness. In cryotech model fine carbide particle is not added to the microstructure of steel during process and resulting in greater tensile strength.

Source: http://www.300below.com/press/magazine-articles/job-shop-technology.html

Deep Cryogenic treatment for racing parts

For the motor sports racers it is the ultimate competitive advantage. Deep cryogenic treatment refines the microstructure of the metal in racing parts and enhances the metal durability.

Cryogenic treatment through dry, inert vapors of LN2 temperature of racing parts below 300° F, helps in reducing the residual stress of the component.

This process of deep cryogenic treatment is applied to brakes, engine parts, transmission and bearings.

Source: http://www.nitrofreeze.com/2009/01/new-cryogenic-treatment-service-for.html