Effective January 15, 2025
This agreement governs the sub-zero thermal processing of high-carbon steel alloys performed by CrappyColdEmails. By submitting materials for treatment, you accept the terms and conditions outlined below regarding martensitic conversion, hardness outcomes, and liability limits.
We execute a controlled cryogenic cycle on ferrous alloys with carbon content above 0.6%. The process targets retained austenite conversion to martensite, increasing Rockwell hardness by 2–4 points on the C scale. Typical cycle duration is 36 hours, including ramp-down to -196°C, a 24-hour soak, and a slow tempering return.
All parts must be cleaned of oils, coatings, and surface contaminants before processing. Components with cracks, porosity, or prior heat-treatment defects may fracture during thermal cycling. We reserve the right to reject materials that fail visual or ultrasonic inspection.
We guarantee a minimum increase of 2 Rockwell C points over the pre-treatment hardness of the same alloy, measured at three locations per part. Wear resistance improvement is validated via Taber abrasion testing (ASTM G195) with a minimum 30% reduction in mass loss compared to untreated control samples.
CrappyColdEmails is not liable for pre-existing material defects, improper handling after treatment, or use of treated components beyond their rated service conditions. Maximum liability is limited to the invoiced value of the treatment service. No consequential damages for equipment downtime or lost production are assumed.
Treatment pricing is based on batch weight, alloy classification, and required testing. A 50% deposit is due upon order confirmation; the balance is due before shipment. All prices exclude applicable taxes and shipping costs. Rush processing (48-hour turnaround) carries a 35% surcharge.
Materials must be shipped in rigid containers with sufficient cushioning to prevent movement during transit. We recommend double-walled corrugated boxes with foam inserts. CrappyColdEmails is not responsible for damage incurred during inbound or outbound shipping. Insurance is the client's responsibility.
Orders may be cancelled without penalty up to 48 hours before the scheduled treatment start. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 25% restocking fee. CrappyColdEmails reserves the right to terminate service for any client who fails to meet payment terms or material preparation requirements.
Why metallurgists and engineers choose cryogenic treatment over conventional heat treating
Standard heat treatment alone typically converts 85–90% of austenite. Our sub-zero process pushes conversion past 98%, eliminating soft spots that cause premature edge rolling and bearing spalling under high-stress kinetic loads.
Cryogenic treatment relieves internal stresses that cause post-machining distortion. Components treated in our facility hold tolerances through subsequent grinding and assembly, reducing scrap rates and rework time for precision herramental parts.
Every production run is sampled and tested by accredited laboratories. Hardness profiles, microstructural analysis, and wear test results are documented and provided with each shipment. No claims are made without supporting data.
Our cryo-stabilized bearings and springs are specified by engineers who cannot afford field failures. The same process that serves high-RPM racing assemblies also extends service life in industrial robotics and precision indexing mechanisms.
Common questions about cryogenic treatment for high-carbon steel alloys.
The sub-zero cycle converts retained austenite into martensite, increasing Rockwell hardness by up to 3 points. This reduces wear and extends the service life of kinetic herramental components like blades, bearings, and springs.
A full treatment run — ramp-down to -196°C, soak, and controlled tempering return — takes roughly 36 to 48 hours depending on part geometry and alloy composition. We adjust the profile for each batch to avoid thermal shock.
Yes. Cryogenic processing is applied after conventional heat treatment and tempering. It refines the microstructure further without altering the part's dimensions, as long as the steel is a high-carbon alloy suitable for sub-zero processing.
We accept single-piece prototypes as well as production batches. The minimum charge covers the full cycle, so smaller runs are priced per cycle rather than per part. Contact us with your part details for a quote.
We test a sample from your batch using a hardness tester and metallographic analysis. If the alloy contains enough carbon (typically above 0.5%) and has retained austenite after heat treatment, cryo processing will improve hardness and wear resistance.