THE PROCESS:

         "Cryo" means cold, but that's not the whole story. Everything we process gets frozen to temperatures below -300 F. We use several different time/temperature profiles depending on certain variables like maximum wall thickness and total mass being processed. There are pauses in the process where the items can rest before further temperature descent. Then everything is held down at temperatures below -300 F for 12-40 hours. The process is so gentle; we can even process light bulbs!

          Wear parts like tools, gears and much more are then subjected to one of many different heat tempering processes. Here, the variable is the material itself. We use different temperatures for different metals. We use a triple tempering process that brings the material to a specific temperature three times. By using fans and well-insulated chambers of our own design and constructions, we can insure uniform temperatures in the chambers and avoid stratification that can result in items that do not see the full benefit of this process.

WHAT HAPPENS?

          At the extreme cold level several things happen. In carbon-based metals three things happen. First, the softer Austenite structure of the metal is completely converted to the harder Martensite structure. Next, the existing carbon molecules are evenly dispersed. Finally, many small carbide particles are created that fit between the existing larger carbon particles.

          Castings are stress relieved. The material alignment at the molecular level is enhanced. While dimensions ARE NOT CHANGED, the surfaces are slightly smoothed. This smoothing of the surface is not visible. In other words, a matte finish does not become glossy. Many plastics become more uniform. Metal parts become harder, but less brittle because of their uniform structure. They become tougher, too. Metal items become more corrosion resistant due to the slight smoothing effect on the surfaces. Items show less resistance to electricity.