Sub-Zero Treatment

Cincinnati Steel Treating (CST) offers Cold Treatments, Sub-Zero treatments, and Cryogenic Treatments for many different types of metal parts. We can do it all; from freezeing to 0°F, -120°F, or we can cool all the way to the temperature of liquid nitrogen at -320°F

Many different processes performed on metal parts fall into the definition of “Cold Treatment”. These can include cooling to 0°F, -120°F, or freezing all the way down -320°F. The most commonly accepted mecahanism for the improvement of properties is that the cold temperature increases the driving force for the transformation of austenite into martensite after the quench. Quenching is a severe treatment that results in a non-equilibrium, solid-state phase transformation from austenite to martensite. This transformation is never 100% completed, meaning that there is always some small amount of retained austenite present in the microstructure after quench. The greater the amount of retained austenite, the lower the hardness will be in the quenched martensite. Imposition of a cold temperature provides the driving force necessary to cause a greater percentage of this retained austenite to transform into martensite. This results in an increased hardness. A sub-zero treatment is considered by many in the industry as a continuation of the quenching process.

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Sub-Zero Treatment Capabilities

Cincinnati Steel Treating (CST) has two cold treatment refrigeration units. Both are capable of cooling parts down to 0 °F, -120°F, or -320°F. Our large sub-zero unit is 24″ X 36″ X 212″, and our small unit is 35″ X 47″ X 30″. The maximum weight that can be cold treated in a single load is 2000 pounds. Both units are equipped with thermocouples that can produce charts showing the steps of the thermal cycles run. CST also regularly performs assembly operations with cold treatment. Components can be deep frozen in the sub-zero units and then pulled out using the crane to assemble them into heated assemblies for an engineeered shrink fit. CST is an industry leader in performing this kind of work.

Different steels exhibit different responses to cold treatment. Some carburizing steels require a cold treatment after quench because they are very susceptible to retained austenite. Examples of these types of steels include 9310, 3310, 52100,and 17CrNiMo6. Other steels are very crack sensitive at cold temperatures, so cold treatment should be avoided if possible. Examples of these include the medium carbon, high alloy steels like 4140, 4150, 4330, or 4340. Typically, the higher the carbon in the steel grade and the higher the austenite stabilizing alloying elements present (Ni, Mo), the greater the need for cold treatment to complete the austenite to martensite phase transformation upon quenching.

There are potentially other benefits to cold treatment as well. Studies have shown that increased wear life has been achieved in brake pads that have been cryogenically treated. Consult with one of CST’s metallurgists to find out more about cold treating your part today.

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Cincinnati Steel Reviews

'The Quality Group at CST is very responsive and always willing to accommodate request to give the necessary information for our customers.'

Garrett Ford

Cincinnati Gearing Systems

'Midstate Machine has been doing business with Cincinnati Steel Treating Company for several years. The professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by Cincinnati Steel is of the highest caliber! We rely heavily on our outside vendors to expedite time sensitive materials and they are always happy to accommodate us. The pricing is fair, and our Certifications are always delivered on time. Cincinnati Steel Treating Company is overall a fantastic company to do business with!.'

Lindsey Barrett

McSwain Mfg. - Midstate Machine

'Cincinnati Steel Treating has been a preferred supplier to Ariel for many years. They are able to meet our production needs at a high quality level. We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future. Thanks for being someone we can count on.'

Kevin Spencer

Ariel Corporation

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For over 80 years, we’ve helped our clients across many industries improve production time and parts performance, quickly and efficiently. Turnaround times are fast and quality control is precise. As your outsourcing partner, we provide solutions to take your results to the next level.

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