TCR is a Minneapolis-based metal forming company. They were so impressed with the benefits of cryogenic tempering that they decided to put it to the test. We treated a wide variety of tools in many different applications over a three month period. TCR tracked machine speeds, feed rate and material types. Increases in tool life varied from 75 to over 300 percent. We have showcased a few of the more common tool types to prove the benefits of cryogenic tempering.

Engineering Test 1

Tool Type:

• C-2 Micro grain Carbide dovetail Form Tool
• Coated with Titanium Nitrite (TiN)
• Number of tools needed to finish job order 12 each
• Cost of tool $175.00 each

Machining Specifications:

• Screw Machine: Browne & Sharpe
• Feed Rate: .0045 to .0050
• Speed: (RPM): 2300
• Coolant: Oil
• Part Material: Headed 1015 steel
• Original O/D .750 - Finished O/D .560

Number of parts cryogenic vs. non-cryogenic treatment:

• Normal Tool life before cryogenics: 850 parts
• Tool life after cryogenics: 3500 (+311%) gain

Amount material removed to restore tool geometry:

• Before cryogenics: .100
• After cryogenics: .040

Tooling cost savings:

• $1487.50 (8.5 less tools needed to finish job order)

Percent extended tool life: +311%

Engineering Test 2

Tool Type:

• C-2 Micro grain Carbide dovetail Form Tool
• Coated with Titanium Nitrite (TiN)

Machining Specifications:

• Screw Machine: Acme
• Feed Rate: .002 to .0025
• Speed: (RPM): 1161
• Coolant: Oil
• Part Material: 12L14 Steel
• Finished O/D 1.0

Number of parts cryogenic vs. non-cryogenic tretment:

• Normal Tool life before cryogenics: 4000 parts
• Tool life after cryogenics: 12,500 (+212%) gain

Amount material removed to restore tool geometry:

• Before cryogenics: .100
• After cryogenics: .050

Percent extended tool life: +212%

Engineering Test 3

Tool Type:

• Carbide Drill Bit (Ultra Tool)
• Coated with Titanium Nitrite (TiN)

Machining Specifications:

• Screw Machine: Chucker
• Feed Rate: .0025 to .003
• Speed: (RPM): 1166
• Coolant: Oil
• Part Material: 10B21 Steel

Number of parts cryogenic vs. non-cryogenic treatment:

• Normal Tool life before cryogenics: 4000 parts
• Tool life after cryogenics: 7,000 (+75%) gain

Amount material removed to restore tool geometry:

• Before cryogenics: .100
• After cryogenics: .030

Percent extended tool life: +75%

Engineering Test 4

Tool Type:

• Extra Gold Brand OSG HSS - 5.8 mm/6.8 mm Jobbers
• Coated with Titanium Nitrite (TiN)

Machining Specifications:

• Screw Machine: Acme 6 Spindle
• Feed Rate: .0054
• Speed: (RPM): 579
• Cycle: 7.5 sec.
• Coolant: Oil
• Part Material: 303 Stainless Steel

Number of parts cryogenic vs. non-cryogenic treatment:

• Normal Tool life before cryogenics: 4000 parts
• Tool life after cryogenics: 5500 (+38%) gain

Number of parts after resharpening:

• Before tool life before cryogenics: 2400
• Tool life after cryogenics: 3750 (+56%)

Percent extended tool life: +47%