Engineering Precision. Delivering Unmatched Durability.
Deep Cryogenic Treatment
and Thermal Processing Services
What is Cryogenic Processing
The heat treatment of metals is commonly understood as the addition of heat to metals, thereby increasing the temperature in a controlled manner, to bring about desirable changes in the crystal structure. The final step in heat treatment procedures is cooling to room temperature.
Cryogenic Processing, in contrast, takes advantage of desirable changes to crystal structure if cooling is extended to very low, sub atmospheric temperatures. Very low temperature, meaning cryogenic temperatures, is defined as temperatures below -150 °C. (-238 °F.) In the same way extremely hot temps cause changes in metal, extremely cold temperatures create changes. Except the changes at Cryogenic temperatures taking place are, finishing and perfecting the metals that was started by heat treatment.
Cryogenic Treatment for Gun Barrels & Firearms
2,000 rounds, bone dry, zero malfunctions. See how cryogenic treatment, micro-dimpling, and dry film lubrication performed in a real torture test on a Sig Sauer duty pistol.
Read the case studyThe Cryogenic Heat Treatment Process, Step by Step
A controlled ramp down over hours, a deep soak near the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, and the temper that has to follow. Where the cycle belongs — between the quench and the temper, not after it.
Read the guide
WPC Treatment®
Micro shot peening that textures the finished surface — holding lubricant, adding compressive stress, and resisting the galling and fatigue cracking that cryogenic treatment alone cannot reach.
Explore WPC TreatmentMore from CTPCustomer results · Does it save money? · Cryogenic treatment vs. heat treating · What you're actually buying · What is OEE · Gun oil vs. dry lubricant · Seal blade wear life
Remove stresses created during the manufacturing & machining process.
Improve the cutting properties of tool steels like HSS and Carbide.
Improve wear performance by upwards of 1,100%.
Increase tensile, toughness, strength and ductility.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images showing the transformation of material microstructure through cryogenic processing — from untreated, to enhanced crystalline uniformity after treatment.
Unlocking Superior Performance
Proven Life Extension — Real-World Results
Cryogenic processing extends tool life and improves stability, as demonstrated in independent trials.
Typical Tool Life:
3–5× Longer
100,000
+ Strokes Before First Sharpening
Less sharpening and material removal; improved edge retention
Dimensional stability maintained within ~3–5 µm
Results vary by material, geometry, and maintenance.
Figures reflect field trials; documentation available on request.
Benefits of Cryogenic Processing
- Enhanced abrasion resistance
- Improved fatigue strength
- Better corrosion resistance
- Improved electrical and thermal conductivity
- Reduced internal stress
- Improved dimensional stability
- Better surface finish (for materials polished after deep cryogenic treatment)
Additional benefits are being revealed every day. Many of the above improvements are found not only in metals, but in many crystalline and semi crystalline (polymer) materials.
Industries That Use Cryogenic Process
Industries that employ cryogenic processing because of the economies or performance benefits that it offers include:
- Motorsports and performance automotive parts
- Industrial metal stamping / precision metal stamping manufacturing
- Machine shops using carbide cutting tools
- Injection molding and plastic mold shops
- Aerospace, defense, and military components
- Industrial cutting and welding tool manufacturers
- Mining and earthmoving heavy equipment
- Medical device and surgical instrument manufacturing
- Food processing equipment — meat grinder plates, knives, and slicing blades
- Agricultural, forestry, and logging equipment
- Hi-fi audio equipment and cable makers
- Marine propellers, propeller shafts, winch gears, and windlass components
Case Studies
Serving customers coast to coast — and internationally.
- 818-445-3030
- info@ctpcryogenics.com
A Positive Impact On Your Bottom Line
Whether your project is big or small, large machine parts or brake rotors for your vehicle, we can tailor a deep cryogenic treatment for you.
