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From
cultivator points to racing engines, gun barrels to cutting tools,
subjecting metal parts, plastics, etc. to extreme sub-zero temperatures
is catching on fast as a way to improve performance and increase useful
life.
Deep
cryogenic treatment is a computer controlled process that uses flashed
liquid nitrogen to lower the temperature of parts to -320°F.
But don’t try this at home, experts warn. For the treatment to
be effective, it must be done as part of a controlled process. Les Baych,
Dave Snyder and Bruce Melick opened
Cryogenic Engineering, Inc., in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1999. The
three formerly worked for Midland Forge. Baych says they got into the
business after sending out parts for cryogenic processing. A die made from H-13 material that was normally good for
7,000 pieces lasted 193,000 pieces after treatment. Seeing the
potential, and after more research, the three bought the necessary
equipment and set up shop.
In
deep cryogenic processing, the temperature of the item to be treated is
lowered to at least -300°
F. It is very important that the temperature of an object be brought
down at a slow, controlled rate that is compatible with the material.
The process involves placing an object into a
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chamber and
lowering the temperature very slowly to -320°
F over a period of 8 hours or so. The temperature in the chamber is
lowered using flashed liquid nitrogen. This is a totally dry process
with the parts being treated never coming in contact with liquid
nitrogen.
Once the temperature in the treatment chamber has reached -320°F.
it is held there for a minimum of 20 hours. Some items, however, may be
held at the low temperature for up to 40 hours, depending on the part.
After the part has been at -320°
F for the proper length of time, the computer then brings it back to
ambient temperature, again very slowly to avoid damaging it. Most
materials require an additional tempering process. In some cases, this
tempering cycle is repeated a second or even a third time. The deep
cryogenic process is a one-time, permanent treatment affecting the
entire part, not just the surface. New and used parts
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alike benefit from
this treatment. The deep cryogenic process works on most types of steel
and most other commonly used metals. Some stainless steels respond well,
as do most other metals such as brass (musical instruments), copper,
aluminum alloys and grey cast iron. In addition, some plastics also
benefit from cryogenic processing. “In most cases, we can double the
useful life of industrial tools, wear parts, dies, etc.,” Baych says.
“If you have something you’d like to process, call us. If we’ve
had experience with it, we’ll tell you what you can expect from the
process. If we haven’t had experience with it, we might try it anyway,
particularly if we can then run tests to compare the results with
identical untreated items.” Cost of cryogenic processing is usually
based on the weight of the material being processed. We provide our
customers with the most consistent, cost-effective means of improving
performance and extending the useful life of industrial tooling, metal
parts, and many other materials.
Contact: Farm Show Followup
Cryogenic
Engineering, Inc.
1119 Wenig Rd NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-861-3343 |
