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The processor is computer controlled taking the temperature to minus 3000F below 1 degree a minute. The temperature is held there for a specific period of time (depending on the material) and then brought up again 1 degree a minute. The atmosphere is cooled with liquid nitrogen.
• Freezing the material at -300oF to modify the microstructure and improve the properties.
• A "dry" process.
• A "one time" treatment.
• A "through" treatment.
• A treatment to improve properties - particularly the wear properties.
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| -300 °F Deep Cryogenic Tempering Processor |
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During Cryogenic Treatment |
| Austenite to martensite conversion - |
| Normal hardening transforms austenite, with its unstable crystalline structure, into martensite, which is much stronger and more durable. But normal hardening doesn’t convert all of steel’s austenite to martensite. For that to occur, cooling technology is required. Cryogenic processing results in a nearly complete transformation of retained austenite to martensite.
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| Carbide particle formation - |
| Normal hardening creates carbide deposits that disturb the alloy’s crystalline structure. During the cryogenic phase of thermal processing, small carbide particles precipitate out of the crystalline lattice and are evenly distributed throughout the material. This reduces residual stresses and creates a very hard, fine carbide lattice structure with improved wear resistance.
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| Grain structure is refined - |
| All of the individual particles that make up an alloy are placed into their most stable state. These particles then are aligned optimally with surrounding particles. Also, molecular bonds are strengthened by the process. |
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| Internal stress is relieved - |
| Particle alignment and grain refinement combine to relieve internal stresses, which can contribute to part failure. This results in material that is optimized for durability. |
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| Materials favorably affected by
Deep Cryogenic Tempering are:- |
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Ferrous Materials:
1. Tool steels
2. Higher carbon, higher alloy materials
3. Martensitic stainless steels
4. Gray cast iron
Aluminum,Copper
Brass
Tungsten carbide
Nylon, Plastics
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| Cryogenic Tempering Applications
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Tooling -
End Mills, Punches, Dies, Circular Saw Blades, Band Saw Blades, Molds, Carbide Cutters, Drills, etc.
Motor Sports Racing Parts –
Increase durability and performance of engines, transmissions and brake rotors.
Gun Barrels –
Increase Accuracy and Durability
Softball Bats –
Increase Hitting Power and Durability
Golf Clubs –
Increase Hitting Power
Musical Instruments –
Improved Tonal Quality of brass musical instruments
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| Benefits of Deep Cryogenic Processor |
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•Cryo-processing enhances tooling life, performance
•Cryo-processing is a one-time, permanent treatment
•Requires less material removal when re-sharpening
•Increased resistance to abrasive wear
•Increased durability
•Increased tensile strength, toughness and stability
•Decreases residual stresses in tool steels
•Decreases brittleness
•Changes the materials entire structure, not just the surface
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Cryogenic Tempering at -310°F compared to 'cold treatment' at -110°F
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| Test Result (% wear increase after Cryogenic Tempring ) |
| Type of Steel |
| Cryogenic Research Centre |
| D-2 |
High carbon/chromium die |
316% |
817% |
| A-7 |
Chromium cold work die |
204% |
560% |
| S-7 |
Silicon tool steel |
241% |
503% |
| 52100 |
Bearing steel |
195% |
420% |
| 0-1 |
Oil hardening cold work die |
221% |
418% |
| A-10 |
Graphite tool steel |
230% |
264% |
| M-1 |
Molybdenum high speed |
145% |
225% |
| H-13 |
Chromium/ moly hot die |
164% |
209% |
| M-2 |
Tungsten / moly high speed |
117% |
203% |
| T-1 |
Tunston high speed |
141% |
176% |
| CPM-10V |
Alloy steel |
94% |
131% |
| P-20 |
Mold steel |
123% |
130% |
| 440 |
Martensitic stainless |
128% |
121% |
| 430 |
Ferritic stainless |
116% |
119% |
| 303 |
Austeniticstainless |
105% |
110% |
| 8620 |
Nickel - chromium- Moly steel |
112% |
104% |
| C1020 |
Carbon steel |
97% |
98% |
| AQS |
Graphitic Cast Iron |
96% |
97% |
| A-6 |
Manganese air cold speed work die |
73% |
97% |
| T-2 |
Tungsten high speed steel |
72% |
92% |
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| CRC Test Result |
| Increased - Useful Life , Stess Relief, Stabilization, Mechinability |
| Decreased - abrasive Wear, Corrosive Wear, Erosive Wear, Distortion |
| Drill |
M-42 M-7 C2 |
300% |
-67% |
| Milling Cutter |
M-7 |
250% |
-60% |
| Deburring |
Inconel |
400% |
-75% |
| Gear Cutter |
M-7 |
350% |
-71% |
| Broach |
M-42 |
300% |
-67% |
| Punch |
M-2 M-7 |
600% |
-83% |
| End Mill |
C-2 Carbide |
450% |
-78% |
| Hob |
M-2 M-7 |
300% |
-67% |
| Face Mill |
M-7 |
400% |
-75% |
| Key Cutter |
C-2 Carbide |
250% |
-60% |
| Slicer |
M-7 |
600% |
-83% |
| Chipper Knives |
Carbide |
500% |
-80% |
| Shredder |
M-7 |
400% |
-75% |
| Tap |
C-2 Carbide |
600% |
-83% |
| Dic |
Hi Nickel |
300% |
-67% |
| Dentist |
400 stainless |
500% |
-80% |
| Broach |
Hi Nickel |
250% |
-60% |
| Logging |
Hi Nickel |
400% |
-75% |
| Milling |
347 stainless |
375% |
-73% |
| Woodcutting |
HSS |
500% |
-80% |
| Stamp Die |
D-2 |
1000% |
-90% |
| Corrosion |
S7 M2-4142 316 |
Less Corrosion |
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| Machining |
Aluminum Castings |
50% Less time |
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| Electrode |
Welding |
600% |
-83% |
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©www.spectracryo.com |
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| Summery |
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The technique of cryogenic processing is an inexpensive method that improves the physical and mechanical properties of materials such as metals, plastics and composites. However, this is a field of engineering that is growing rapidly and is used by many manufacturers. We have developed facility that will treat materials in order to research the results of the processing. This may help to create standards for processing and testing that are currently unavailable in India.
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Cryogenic is not the answer to everything, but it is very effective on all steels, alloys and other metals as well as carbon fiber, Kevlar, some plastics and polymers. Electronics is also on the list. Many other materials are under experimentation and still others have yet to be considered. If you have an application in mind, let us know. We are constantly trying new things and would be happy to test new products with you
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Cryogenic treatment properly performed is perfectly safe for any part. Light bulbs have been treated with no damage to them.I know of no part was damage by cryogenic treatment,properly performed this is a gentle process…
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