What is Deep Cryogenic Tempering?
Our proprietary deep cryogenic tempering process uses cryogenic temperatures (-300 degrees F) to transform the soft carbon (austenite) into a smaller and stronger carbon molecule (martensite). This makes the surface of the metal less porous, so there is more surface area to wear. When the process is complete, the metal is less brittle, stronger and much more durable than before. Tools can be Cryo'd when new or dull. Cryo'd tools are actually easier to resharpen because 50% less material is removed each time, so the tool can be resharpened twice as many times. If the tool is resharpened after being Cryo'd, it will cut much longer. Our process permanently alters the entire thickness of the metal, not just the surface. The entire process takes 3 to 7 days.
Cryo-Processing Equipment
Computer controlled processing ensures accurate tempering cycles.
What happens to Cryo-Processed materials?
- increases abrasive wear resistance.
- requires only one permanent treatment.
- creates a denser molecular structure. The result is a larger contact surface area that reduces friction, heat and wear.
- changes the equipment's entire structure, not just the surface. Subsequent refinishing operations or re-grinds do not affect permanent improvements.
- eliminates thermal shock through a dry, computer controlled process.
- transforms almost all soft retained austenite to hard martensite.
- forms microfine carbide fillers to enhance large carbide structures
- increases durability or wear life.
- decreases residual stresses in tool steels.
- decreases brittleness.
- increases tensile strength, toughness and stability coupled with the release of internal stresses.
These two images show steel before and after Cryo-Processing
Refer to our Field Test Results for reference.