Results of the cryogenic treatment of different alloys of steel*



Reccommended method: 2 hour cooldown from room temperature to 77ēK, hold for 20 hours, slowly raise to 400ēK (+127ēC) and let cool to room temperature.

Comparison of treatments for metals showing a significant improvement in wear resistance
Percent improvement in wear resistance using dry ice (189ēK) and liquid nirogen (77ēK) cryogenic treatments
AISI # Description % change at 189ēK % change at 77ēK
D-2 High carbon/chromium die steel 316 817
S-7 Silicon tool steel 241 503
52100 Standard steel 195 420
0-1 Oil hardening cold work die steel 221 418
A-10 Graphite tool steel 230 264
M-1 Molybdenum high-speed steel 145 225
H-13 Chromium/moly hot die steel 164 209
M-2 Tungsten/moly high-speed steel 117 203
T-1 Tungsten high-speed tool steel 141 176
CPM-10V Alloy steel 94 131
P-20 Mold steel 123 130
440 Martensitic stainless 128 121

 
Metals not showing significant improvement in wear resistance
Materials treated at 77ēK
AISI # Description % change
430 Ferritic stainless 119
303 Austenitic stainless 110
8620 Nickel-chromium-moly alloy steel 104
C-1020 Carbon steel 98
AQS Graphitic cast iron 97
T-2 Tungsten high-speed steel 92

* Dr. R. F. Barron study results. Louisiana Polytechnic Institute