Howdy Martin: I found three pages of positive info. on "Subzero Treatment of Steel" in the 25 th. Edition(copyright 1996) of "Machinery's Handbook", which is considered "THE Bible" amongst mechanists & mechanical engineers in the U.S.A.. I have the large -type version,so page #'s may differ with the regular, "toolbox" size.They state" The subzero treatment is employed by most gage mfgrs. to stabilize precision gages and prevent subsequent changes in size or form.The object is to increase the durability or life of tools; however,up to the -present- time, the results of tests by metallurgists & tool engineers often differ considerably and in some instances are contradictory. Transformation of austenite into martensite is accompanied by _an INCREASE of VOLUME; consequently, the transformation which may occur naturally naturally occur over a period of months or years, tends to change THE DIMENSIONS & FORM OF STEEL PARTS, and such changes may be serious in the case of gage blocks, close-fitting machine parts, etc.To prevent such changes, the sub-zero treatment HAS proven EFFECTIVE." Remember, thisis info. from 1995, whoknows what advancements have been made & lke I said, are "propriatary , and not released to the public.Keep on looking, I know I will, body permitting. Take care, Jim Skladany.
Hello Jim,
Don’t be hasty It take some time to review all I’ve look
in approx 1 meter of material and material treatment books. no were
about cryogenic material treatment. Only one says that also as you
said will help in stabilizing the material. Like gage blocks.
For strength and surface improvement I thick it will only some of a
percentage. And you can get a better benefit form taking a better
alloy. What I think is strange is that the companies who deliver this
treatment are doing so secret about real reports. How ever they claim
big improvements. I’m still waiting for some reply from Cryogenic
Tempering Facility - Central Florida Also it is funny how firm you dig
in a subject. But I appreciate this.
Martin Niemeijer