Cryogenic treatment is the process of treating workpieces to cryogenic temperatures (in the range of -145,−195 °C) to eliminate residual stresses and improve wear resistance in steels and other metal alloys such as aluminum. In addition to increased stress relief and the pursuit of stabilization or wear resistance, the cryogenic process is also being utilized due to its ability to improve corrosion resistance by precipitation of microfine eta carbides that can be measured before and after in a part using a quantity.
The process has a wide range of applications, from industrial instruments to the development of musical signal transmission. Some of the benefits of the cryogenic process include longer component life, less damage, improved thermal properties, better electrical properties, reduced coefficient of friction, less creep and walking.
Cryogenic Process is a process in which the material is gradually cooled to very low temperatures. When liquid nitrogen is used, the temperature can drop to -196 °C. It can have a profound effect on the mechanical properties of certain materials, such as steels or tungsten carbide. In tungsten carbide (WC-Co), the crystal structure of cobalt is converted from softer FCC to harder HCP phase, while hard tungsten carbide particle is not affected by the process.