Cryogenic & Deep Freezing
Our cryogenic experts will work with you to create a process that permanently refines the grain structure of your most important parts – creating parts that are metallurgically improved and stabilized with a denser, smoother surface.
Deep Cryogenics, Refined Structures.
The technology of cryogenics – exposing metal parts to temperatures around -320˚F – has tremendous benefits for industrial applications. Typically occurring between the quenching and tempering processes, deep and cryogenic freezing helps to eliminate the presence of retained austenite in steel that was not transformed during heat treatment which can contribute to part wear and fatigue.
Deep and cryogenic freezes can prevent dimensional changes in parts even after they’ve been treated. In some highly specialized applications, especially for parts performing precision functions, dimensional changes can easily render a part useless, especially with components required to be tough and wear resistant. It’s critically important they be treated in a way that allows them to retain their shape over time. Many steel alloys are susceptible to retained austenite. Cryogenic freezes are used to achieve a full transformation to martensite, after treatments like vacuum heat treating.
When should you use cryogenic freezing?
Our cryogenic services are ideal for your parts that need to be tough and wear resistant. This process is frequently used with ultra-high-precision parts such as gun barrels, dies and gears, as well as drill bits, end mills, forging dies, crankshafts, medical Instruments and more.
Delivering Consistency.
Paulo customers can trust our purpose-built Production Information and Customer Service system (PICS) to provide consistency from start to finish. From the time your weight calculations are entered into our system, through process control, our high-tech approach to cryogenics will ensure your parts have the strength and resiliency they need to perform.
Cryogenic FAQs
Can cryogenic treating fix dimensional problems in my parts?
No. Cryogenic treating prevents future dimensional changes by stabilizing the microstructure, but it won’t reverse existing dimensional issues or warpage. It’s a preventive treatment that ensures parts maintain their dimensions throughout their service life, not a corrective process for parts that have already changed dimensions.
How large of parts can you cryogenically treat?
If it fits in our cryogenic chamber, we can process it. Our equipment can accommodate parts approximately 110 inches long by 40 inches deep by 50 inches tall. We can process a single part or an entire load—there’s no minimum quantity requirement. Part geometry isn’t a limiting factor either.
Is cryogenic treatment performed as a standalone process?
Typically, cryogenic treating is a component of a larger heat treatment process rather than a standalone treatment. For example, you might carburize, quench, cryogenically treat, and then temper your parts in a complete thermal cycle. While we can provide cryogenic treatment on its own for specific applications, it’s most commonly integrated into a comprehensive heat treating program.
What is cryogenic treating?
Cryogenic treating uses extremely low temperatures to transform retained austenite in heat-treated parts into martensite, which improves dimensional stability and reduces the risk of cracking. We offer two temperature ranges: deep freezing (around -120°F) and true cryogenic treating (-300°F to -320°F). Think of it as “finishing the quench”—after parts are heated and quenched down to room temperature, cryogenic treatment continues cooling them to these ultra-low temperatures to complete the transformation of the microstructure. This process also drives the precipitation of fine carbides throughout the material and reduces residual stress, further enhancing wear resistance and dimensional stability.
What parts benefit from cryogenic treating?
Cryogenic treating is most commonly used for carburized parts and certain tool steels—common applications where retained austenite is present in the microstructure after heat treatment. Common examples include gears, pinion shafts, precision gauges, gauge blocks, and instrument components. While transforming retained austenite to martensite is the primary benefit, cryogenic treating also provides value by precipitating fine carbides and reducing residual stress in the material. These additional benefits can improve wear resistance and dimensional stability even in materials with minimal retained austenite.
What's the difference between deep freezing and true cryo?
Deep freezing operates around -120°F, while true cryogenic treating reaches -300°F to -320°F. Most commonly, we perform deep freezing, but we can provide true deep cryo when specifically requested. The choice depends on your material, application, and the degree of transformation needed. Both processes achieve the goal of converting retained austenite to martensite, but true cryo provides a more complete transformation.
Start a conversation.
We’re ready to handle your cryogenic needs with precision and consistency. Request a quote today or give us a call to learn more.
Get Started
English 
Español de México