Re: Cryo-Tempering

[jlandry@domain.elided (John A. Landry)]

In a brilliant stroke of genius, "Bennett Moe" <bmoe@domain.elided> blurted
out:

>I saw a show on cryo-tempering a while ago. It looked like it was an
>ideal way of making things last nearly forever. If remember right, they
>did do some engine parts, but can't remember what. The item I remember
>most was a trumpet they did. They did not disassemble it when they froze
>it and the valves had no problems (though the tolerances are not nearly
>as tight as on an engine). It did have a noticeably different (better,
>clearer) sound after. Pretty cool. Are there places out there that
>actually do this for the public? Do they make a vat big enough for a
>R-110 ;-)

Bennett,

I have a good business friend, Mike Carlman, who runs a local cryo treating
business for a living.  You can visit his web site at www.onecryo.com.
He's usually quick to point out that although cryo treating does some
wonderful things... it's not magic and doesn't make things last forever.
He warned me there's a lot of hype out there by amazed television types.

Follow the links on his web site to "motorsports" and "pricing."  It looks
as though a whole V8 engine with tranny runs about $1000.00.  For you folks
in the Pacific NW, One Cryo has a facility near Tacoma, WA just outside of
Puyallup.

He has a processor which will do some pretty big stuff, maybe even a whole
engine.  However, I'm pretty sure they'd want it in pieces just for ease of
handling.  One thing most people don't realize is that the treatment not
only involves lowering the temperature to near 300 below, but it also
involves repeated heat cycling in an oven afterwards.  I don't think they'd
want to have oil and greases in their processing unit or oven, so I'm
pretty sure stuff would have to be disassembled and clean.

From what I've seen of his prices, they seem to be based on the volume
(size) of the processing unit it occupies, and the weight.  Cryo treating
has to be controlled very carefully to do any good.  Like anything, it pays
to go with a reputable firm that will guarantee their work.  I can vouch
for One Cryo because I know how Mike operates and he's willing to stand
behind his work with a "no-pay-if-you-don't-see-an-improvement" guarantee.

The best uses for cryo treating seem to be in parts that need dimensional
stability and high wear resistance.  Brake rotors and gun barrels are prime
examples.  I've heard Mike say that cryo treating can extend the life of a
part (be it a drill bit, rifle barrel, knife edge, etc.) by 3 fold or more.
It would be great to have the money to do an entire engine.

Regards,

John L.
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