Thermal Cycling for enhancement of structural properties
Utilizing custom cryogenic treatment cycles, Nitrofreeze offers Thermal Cycling processes for a range of advanced applications. Nitrofreeze has completed work for U.S. Government agencies, MIL and DOD contractors, universities and private industry.
Residual Stress Relief in Aluminum, Steel, Titanium and other Metals
The principle of cryogenic stress relief is that materials are at a most relaxed state when they have the least amount of kinetic energy or molecular activity. Absolute zero, -273°C, -459°F or O K (O Kelvin), is the theoretical point that describes the temperature at which no further energy can be extracted from a material. Thus, when at absolute zero, materials are at their most relaxed state, and inherent residual stresses are relieved. Once these stresses are removed, they do not return to their pre-treatment levels once they are returned to ambient temperature under controlled conditions. We have the capability to process parts in dry ice, liquid nitrogen and liquid helium. As a result, we are able to thermal cycle parts at temperatures as low as -450°F. We can meet nearly any thermal cycle specification.
To maximize the benefit of cryogenic stress relief, parts are cycled between cold and hot temperatures. A controlled thermal cycle is often repeated three (or more) times. At Nitrofreeze, we provide a full range of thermal cycling services to meet your exact requirements or specifications.
We also work with clients to develop new processes that maximize stress relief in their parts and specialize in stress relieving applications relating to new materials, such as composites, polymers and exotic metal alloys.