Welcome to a new CRYO world
In the world of greater safety, lower costs, and careless moments
Who can utilize the cryogenic process?
A manufacturer that wants to extend product or machine lifetime and gain a competitive advantage.
A machine operator that wants to reduce the machine failure rate and save through shorter delays and fewer spare parts.
The general public who want to modify their favourite knives, tools, car spare parts, etc.
How is the cryogenic process of the 300 Below company carried out?
First, the workpiece must be carefully cleaned. Then the product is measured for later reference. Then the product is put into the freezing box. In this box, the product is cooled down to a temperature of -186°C (-300°F) using a dry method. Liquid nitrogen vapour is used for cooling. The object is kept at this temperature for several tens of hours and then it is brought back to room temperature in a controlled way. After reaching room temperature, the product is put into an industrial furnace. There the product is tempered at a temperature of approx. 176°C (350°F). The product is maintained at this temperature for a specified time and then it is cooled down to room temperature. The tempering process is repeated several times. Throughout the process, the product is not exposed to any temperature peaks, which ensures no damage.
Is the process always carried out in the same way?
No. Thanks to the more than 50 years of experience in this area, we know the methods how to achieve the optimum properties of the processed material. Depending on the type of material and its thickness, the period for keeping the material at the cryogenic temperature is changed. This also influences the time and temperature of tempering the material in the furnace.
What happens to the material in the cryogenic process?
Due to the very low temperatures followed by a slow thermal treatment, changes to the material’s atomic structure occur. The material’s crystallographic lattice is modified, tempered, and made more coherent due to the creation of small particles (carbide precipitation). The residual tension in the material (which was caused during the manufacturing process, e.g., imperfect hardening or machining of the workpiece) is relieved, too. By cryogenic processing, the required modifications of the material structure are achieved throughout the body, not only on the surface.
Which material properties are improved by the cryogenic process?
If the cryogenic process is performed correctly, the material achieves greater abrasion resistance, strength, heat permeability and resistance to corrosion. Most of the residual tension is relieved and thus the material gains a very important property – high absolute dimensional stability.
Can the cryogenic process lead to material or product damage?
No. The cryogenic process of the 300 Below Company improves the atomic structure of metallic materials. Only non-metallic materials such as plastics, glass, etc., may be damaged. These materials are not suitable for cryogenic processing due to the low temperatures followed by tempering at a temperature of 180°C in an industrial furnace.
Does the process influence the weight or dimensions of the object?
The weight does not change. The dimensional changes are minimum, in the order of microns. It always depends on the quality of the material used and on the quality of the previous processing. The cryogenic process of the 300 Below company corrects material imperfections. Therefore, some small dimensional changes may occur. In case of processing large products with absolute precision required, it is always better to process the semi product before the final machining.
Is it possible to submit a used product to the process?
Yes, the cryogenic process may also be applied to used products. However, it is always more cost effective if a new product is processed, since you can be sure that it was not damaged during prior usage.
Are there verified studies proving that the material’s properties undergo change due to cryogenic processing?
Yes. Dozens of studies and practical tests of cryogenically processed materials can be found on the internet. The 300 Below Company cooperates with Louisiana Tech University. The European Cryogenic Institute cooperates with the West Bohemian University (Faculty of Engineering). Study results are also published in the MEDIA section on these pages.
Have I already come across cryogenically processed products?
Yes. Cryogenic processing is used quite often all over the world. Most of us have already come across a cryogenically processed product. But we mostly do not know about it. Manufacturers of aircraft components, firearms, racing car parts, as well as the manufacturers of their tools, all have been using this process for dozens of years to achieve a competitive advantage and give us a higher safety level.
How long does cryogenic processing take?
The cryogenic processing itself, including the necessary tempering, takes on average about 72 hours. Usually the job is included in the production process in a couple of working days. Most of the jobs are finished within 14 days.
What is the price of cryogenic processing?
The price depends on the dimensions, weight and type of material used. It also depends on the number of processed pieces and expected repeatability of cryogenic processing in the future. Our goal is to promote cryogenic processing in standard use.
Can I have my own sample processed?
Yes. If you are interested in business cooperation, contact us. We will submit your sample to the cryogenic process for free and let you evaluate the new material properties.
How can I request cryogenic processing?
Just contact our local partner. The 300 Below partners and their sites can be found on these pages in the CONTACT section. The best way is to send information on the dimensions, weight, number of pieces, and whether it is a one-off or regular job. It is also important to know the material the product is made of. Based on this information, we can provide you with the expected material property improvements, a price calculation and completion date.