While the science of heat treatment is well known and widely understood, the principles of cryogenic tempering remain a mystery to most people in industry. Information regarding this process is full of contradictions and unanswered questions. Until recently, cryogenic processing was viewed as having little value, due to the often brittle nature of the finished product. It is only since the development of computer modeled cooling and reheating process, that the true benefits of cryogenically treated materials have become available to industry and the general public.

Cryogenic treatment can improve the performance and life of your HSS or carbide cutting tools, blades, stamping dies, knives, shears, punches and dies up to 400%! Peak performance and durability is vital to every manufacturing application. The cost and downtime associated with parts replacement has limited the speed of production equipment since the beginning of the industrial age. Proper cryogenic tempering offers impressive gains in terms of tool and component life.

Cryogenic treatment benefits include longer life, less tendency to crack, and this one-time, permanent, and irreversible process means that parts that are reground or re-sharpened do not have to be treated a second time. Also, because up to 66% less material is removed each time, a part can be re-sharpened more times before it is out of tolerance.

Cryogenic processing has been around for many years, but it has been refined using computer-controlled cooling and reheating. Due to recent developments, the cryogenic process for metals is inexpensive. When you consider the increased tool life of up to 400%, it is extremely cost-effective.

Other sites and articles:
EDM Stability
Improving Component Wear Performance Through Cryogenic Treatment