Structural Improvement

300 Below’s cryogenic tempering process helps to improve structural integrity and stability of deep space astronautic components.

Residual stresses remain within a part after the original source of its stresses (heat gradients or external forces) have been removed. These residual stresses in aerospace components are significant due to substantial machining needed to remove mass from the component. Residual stresses may also be caused by machining from end mills, taps, reamers, bores, broaching, and drilling operations. These residual stresses are varied and include three primary types of stress: compressive stress, tensile stress, and hoop stress.

Aerospace components and optical benches benefit from deep cryogenic processing due to the principles of thermal-mechanical compression and expansion. 300 Below’s process is unique because the entire mass of the component part (core AND surface) transitions through a full 600 degree range (-300°F to +300°F) creating stress relief (technically through uniform stress being imparted throughout the three dimensional structure) instead of erratic or differential stress creation, commonly imparted by manufacturing processes.

What astronautic components and materials can benefit from cryogenic processing?

  • 6065-T6 aluminum
  • 7075 aluminum
  • Titanium
  • Hastelloy
  • Inconel
  • Other exotic aerospace component metallurgies

What are the benefits of cryogenic treatment of astronautic components and materials?

  • Stress Relief
  • Stabilization
  • Reduces cycle fatigue Reduces chances of potential failures
  • Vibrational damage reduction through structural damping