Cryogenic Treatment of Tool Steel

Cryogenic treatment is an optional part of the heat treating process. It is the deep-freezing of tool steel usually to –250 to –300 degrees F for 2-3 hours. The purpose of the cryogenic treatment is to stabilize the microstructure of the tool steel.

Just as retained austenite is transformed to martensite during the tempering process, the same change occurs during the cryogenic treatment. Some grades of tool steel with high alloy content and low tempering temperatures will not completely transform to a martensitic structure during a thermal tempering process.

For the complete heat treating procedure, including tempering charts, tips and tool steel data sheets, see our "Tool Steel Simplified" book.

You can find all of the answers to your tool steel questions in our comprehensive book "Tool Steel Simplified". This concise book includes tool steel properties, alloying elements, uses, careers, data sheets, heat treating and so much more. It is written is an easy-to-understand format for designers, engineers, buyers, students, production planners and anyone that is interested in learning more about tool steel.

You have questions and you want answers. The answers to your tool steel questions are found in “Tool Steel Simplified”.

You will receive 226 pages of valuable tool steel information providing you with the resources necessary to produce high-quality tooling for your application.

Click here to get your copy of Tool Steel Simplified.