Cryo Treating Services

What is Cryogenic Processing?

Cryogenic processing is a means of altering the crystal structure of metals and some other materials to enhance fatigue resistance and reduce abrasive wear. The process is used to increase the life of components for racing and industry.

Research has shown that Cryogenic Processing:
  • Relieves residual stresses
  • Reduces abrasive wear
  • Increases fatigue life
  • Transforms Retained Austenite to Martensite (ferrous metals only)
  • Forms very small carbides that enhance wear resistance

Cryogenics works well for standard machined metal parts, castings, forgings, plastic or composite materials. Furthermore, it’s non-destructive to the carbon content of steel and leaves the surface of the material clean and free of oxides. In addition, there is NO DISCOLORATION. Essentially, cryogenic treatments deaden the stress in machined or welded components.

What can you expect from the process?

Stable stress relieved materials. A simple cryogenic treatment can be a real money-saver in the stamping, die and mold industry. The dies and/or molds should be processed after heat treatment, but before finish grinding or assembly to avoid growth interference or tolerance violation. Hence, once in production, a quality cryogenic re-processing will relieve any long term build-up of compressive stresses making tools and molds last much longer than conventional tools.

Moreover, aluminum and non-ferrous metals stress relieved using cryogenics gain better machinability after processing - a real aid in tight tolerance work. Along with plastics, these materials get stronger and tougher with the use of a cryogenic treatment.

CRYOGENIC APPLICATIONS

  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Castings
  • Copper
  • Dies
  • Forgings
  • Machining Parts
  • Iron
  • Molds
  • Plastics
  • Precision Ground Parts
  • Steel
  • Welded Parts

Our specially built cryogenic processor is carefully loaded with your parts, making sure each customers’ parts are kept separated and identified throughout the process. The temperature of the cryogenic load is lowered slowly over an 8-10 hour period until reaching -300F. After reaching this desired temperature, the entire load is soaked for a minimum of 24-60 hours in order to complete the metallurgical process. It is then brought back to room temperature over another 24-30 hour period. Finally, ferrous steel parts are properly tempered to stabilize the fresh martensite that was formed during the cryogenic process. Once tempered, all parts are ready for shipment back to you. Total cycle time is approximately 3 1/2 - 4 days.

Price List

Tooling and Wear Components
Pounds$ per Pound
4-99$6.00
100-249$5.50
250-499$5.00
500-999$4.50
1000+$3.50
Mininum lot charge of $150.00
Price quotes also available

For additional details about pricing, lead times, and how it can complete a total metallurgical solution, contact us at sales@fireballheattreating.com or call (508) 222-2617.