What is cryogenic treatment?
Simply put, it is a process of freezing parts and tools to -300°F to improve their properties—particularly the wear properties. It is a “dry” process, during which the parts are never put in contact with the liquid nitrogen. The parts are cooled very slowly and then held at a temperature of about -300°F for anywhere from 24 to 36 hours, and then brought very slowly back to room temperature. Different materials and cross sections require different cycles. It is a “one time” treatment meaning that, once treated, it will not be necessary to repeat the treatment, as the properties will remain for the life of the part. It is also a “through” treatment; one that, unlike a surface treatment or coating, alters the microstructure all the way through the part, thus lengthening the life of your twist drill each time the drill is sharpened—as long as there is a stub left to sharpen. What’s happening to the tools? During the cryogenic treatment of ferrous materials, the process modifies the carbon
