Cryogenic Processing Services

In physics, cryogenics is the study of the production of very low temperature (typically below −238°F) and the behavior of materials at those temperatures. In the thermal processing industry, it is applied to various materials to either stabilize them or change the microstructure. Much debate has been had over what cryogenic processing actually changes in a material, yet many will attest to the fact that they realize significant benefits in wear or other properties. For instance, cryogenic processing services are routinely applied to gun barrels, automotive racing parts (including engine blocks and heads), golf balls, and musical instruments. More conventionally, cryogenic processing is employed on parts that will see service in space where extreme fluctuations in temperature will be realized. In this case, parts are cold and warm treated a number of times during the cryogenic processing services to mimic the cycling that the parts will realize in their eventual service in space.

Solar Atmospheres also provides a cold treatment service which is a more conventional process compared to cryogenic processing services employed to effectively complete the transformation of steel parts from austenite (soft) to martensite (hard). Many steels will “retain” austenite after the process of quenching which results in a mostly martensitic microstructure. Part of austenite’s character is that is holds less volume than martensite. Newly formed martensite is unstable, and must be tempered to render a part fit for service. If a part is in service, and holds retained austenite, strain induced conditions could potentially transform it to martensite. The newly formed martensite will be unstable and take up more volume than the austenite. This causes stress, movement of the part, and can result in cracking and ultimate part failure. The problem is particularly a major concern in the gear industry, and acute with grinding, where retained austenite has a propensity to result in grinding cracks. Cold treatment forms an integral part of properly cryogenic processing many steel parts.

To effectively service our customers, Solar Atmospheres' performs cryogenic processing services as a perfect complement to our heat treating services.  Our liquid nitrogen-based freezers have the ability to take your parts down to -300°F, or to any point below ambient temperature. Even with metallurgical analysis, some experimentation may be necessary to discover the possible benefits of cryogenic processing services for a new application. Solar is willing to collaborate with you to find the best solution to your needs. To discuss how cryogenic processing services and/or cold treatment can add value to your parts, please contact one of our sales consultants.

INDUSTRIES SERVED BY SOLAR’S CRYOGENIC PROCESSING SERVICES

Aerospace Automotive Castings Defense Drawn Parts Fabricators Fasteners Electronics Heat Exchangers

Instruments Job Shop Manufacturing Medical Metals Power Generation Stampings Tool & Die Tube & Pipe

SOLAR ADVANTAGES OF CRYOGENIC PROCESSING SERVICES Cryogenic Processing Purported benefits: Increased part stability Increased wear Less Vibration Less stress in machining Better sound resonance Cold Treatment benefits Less retained austenite Less risk of cracking in service Dimensional stability Less residual stress

MATERIALS/PRODUCTS HANDLED BY CRYOGENIC PROCESSING SERVICES Cryogenic Processing: Gun barrel blanks Automotive racing parts (engine blocks and heads) Golf balls Musical instruments Steel Carbide Aluminum Cold Treatment: Tool steels PH stainless steels Carburize grade steels Aluminum