NITROUS OXIDE ( nos / n2o ) advice forum

I've heard that dipping certain parts in liquid nitrogen can make them stronger??

I'm in the process of doing some tests of parts that have been treated this way.

Have any of you got any input on this treatment process ??

I'm not sure of the exact process but unless it's something different to what I know of as nitriding, as far as I'm aware it's not carried out by dipping a component in liquid nitrogen and this appears to be confirmed in these links;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitriding

http://www.nitridingprocess.com/

http://www.finishing.com/120/33.shtml

http://www.northeastcoating.com/PlasmaProcess_1.htm

I'm reliably informed (as I have no first hand experience of it), that it is very effective.

What parts have you got that have been treated?

I've heard of it being done on bottom end parts, but its not a dip, the components are repeatedly cooled close to absolute zero (-257*c?) and brought back up. re-arranging the metals structure as it crystalises when chilled to those extreem levels.

its usually used on gearbox components. but can be just as effective on engine components. especially when combined with shot peening.

I'm working with this company to do some half shaft tests and do some photo / video interviews and destructive testing of simple samples to show how the process affects metals.

It should lead to quite an interesting article and maybe some you tube vids of the testing.

blimey and theres people getting that done to live in the afterlife

The half shafts have been done. They cool them to -195C in a cryo chamber.

I believe the have a couple of cycles from -195 to about 20C over a couple of days.

They dont look any different. But they sound different !!

The untreated shafts when tapped with a spanner go "tink"

The treated shafts go "dunk"

If that makes sense??? They sound more dense than the untreated shafts. If we have time they will be fitted for testing this Sunday at the Pod

Interesting, I wonder what the super cooling effect of nitrous has on the parts it comes in to contact with!!!!

I ave had engine parts done by cryogen industries in Melbourne Australia. Clutches, cranks, valves, valve springs, brake rotors and pads. Extends the life of them all dramatically. Well recommended, tell Neil Sam Parker recommended him if your interested in getting things done.

Sam

The low temperature soak has to be sustained for many many hours Trev in order for the carbon molecules / atoms to re arrange themselves.

The Cryo shafts have now been fitted to the Escort for the Retro Show at the Pod.

To test them we need to do 3 launches with a 100 shot fixed hit and then pull the shafts to see if they have twisted.

If they havent we will stick another 100-150 on for 2nd gear on the steering wheel button. The cars mass should be rolling pretty good after 2 seconds so the 2nd stage hit should be too hard on the drivetrain