Roll Deep-Cryogenic Treatment
Roll deep-cryogenic treatment is used to treat metal rolls and rollers for high-end applications used in the paper and steel industries, as well as other industries that require hardened surfaces. Rollers are an integral part of many industrial processes and can become worn or malfunction due to heat, shock, and other conditions on the job. Cryogenic treatments can extend the life of these products while improving their performance and providing cost savings benefits.
Cryogenic treatment is a specialized form of deep cryogenic cycling, which involves cooling and re-heating a specific part of the material at very low temperatures in the range of -300°F to -320°F. It is vital to use equipment that is clean and has no stress-raisers, such as notches and scratches, on the surface before treatment. The treatment itself involves immersing the roll or roller in liquid nitrogen over a precision-controlled cycle. As the material is cooled and heated, the controlled pressure allows for the molecules of the metal to be moved in a uniform way, resulting in a hardened and improved surface.
The resulting changes to the surface include a dramatic increase in wear and fatigue resistance. This is due to the development of a network of microstructure called “martensite” which is formed on the surface of the material during the treatment. Martensite improves the surface strength, reducing the risk of implantation and fatigue from contact with other surfaces. It also reduces the coefficient of friction found between the material and other substances, providing a smoother and easier to machine surface.
Manufacturers of rolls, rollers, and other precision parts are increasingly turning to deep-cryogenic treatment to extend the life of their products. The superior protection and improved machineability offered by cryogenic treatments provide a range of cost savings benefits. From reducing the need for constant replacement and repair to improving productivity, cryogenic treatments offer unparalleled benefits for industries that require precision rolls and rollers.
The cost of cryogenic treatments is typically much lower than traditional hardening methods. The cost of the liquid nitrogen used in the treatment is very low in comparison to traditional hardening or machining treatments. Furthermore, the cryogenic treatment can be applied to a range of metals, such as steel, aluminum, and titanium. This means that manufacturers don’t have to worry about ordering unique and expensive grades of materials for particular treatments, as the same treatment can be used to create a hardened and improved surface using whichever metal they choose.
The cost savings offered by cryogenic treatments, as well as their relative simplicity, have made them one of the most popular forms of surface hardening among both small and large manufacturers. In the paper and steel industries, cryogenic treatments have become commonplace for the production of high-end rollers and rollers. As the demand for improved performance and production savings continues to rise, cryogenic treatments are sure to remain a popular choice among manufacturers of precision parts.
