Influence of deep cryogenic treatment on heat treatment of steel and Cu–Be alloy

Abstract

AbstractDeep cryogenic treatment (DCT) is claimed to be an efficient technique to improve the properties of steels and non ferrous alloys. A lot of benefits related to this treatment are reported in the scientific literature and probably even more in Internet. The process has a wide range of applications from industrial tooling to improvement of musical signal transmission. Some of the benefits of cryogenic treatment include longer part life, less failure due to cracking, improved thermal properties, better electrical properties including less electrical resistance, reduced coefficient of friction, less distortion, improved flatness and easier machining. Sometimes, the influence of subzero treatment could be directly ascribed to a specific metallurgical transformation. It is the case of the transformation of retained austenite into martensite, causing a general increase in hardness and higher wear resistance (but lower toughness). In other cases, however, the increase in wear resistance is not supported b...