Cryogenic machining

Type of technology

Machining (by means of tools with defined geometry)

Development phase

initial

Level of innovation

international level

Scale of production

batch, unit

Technology readiness level TRL

Description of the technology

Purpose of use

effective and efficient machining (e.g. turning, drilling, milling) of difficult-to-machine materials (mainly titanium and nickel alloys)

Use in industry

all industries, mainly automotive industry, aviation industry, biomedical industry

General characteristics

Cryogenic machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which the machining zone is cooled by a medium with a temperature below -150ﾟC. The coolant used in cryogenic machining is usually liquid nitrogen (LN2). Cryogenic machining is mainly used for the following machining processes: turning, milling, drilling.

Alternative technologies
  • conventional machining
  • LAM machining
  • MQCL machining

Visualisation

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

  • ability to reduce the cutting temperature of difficult-to-machine materials (compared to conventional machining)
  • ability to reduce wear intensity and increase blade life when machining difficult-to-machine materials (compared to conventional machining)
  • possibility of reducing surface roughness values of machined materials (compared to conventional machining)
  • elimination of environmentally and personally harmful conventional machining fluids from the machining process
  • environmental inertness of the coolant

Disadvantages

  • significant personnel qualification requirements (experience in machining)
  • significant capital expenditure (for the purchase of liquid nitrogen and supply to the machining zone/ modification of machine tool design)

Workpiece material types

  • mainly titanium alloys
  • heat-resistant nickel alloys
  • heat-resistant cobalt alloys

Examples of products

  • turbine aircraft blades
  • surgical instruments
  • cutters
  • drills
  • lathes
  • rollers for mills

Implementation of technology

Required resources

  • turning/milling centre
  • cutting tools
  • tooling

Required competences

  • training in machining and programming of CNC machines
  • extensive practical experience in machining

Environmental aspects

Water consumption

Energy consumption

Waste generated

Expert evaluation

Competitiveness

Usability

Environmental impact

Development centers

  • Poznan University of Technology
  • Opole University of Technology

Legal conditions

  • none

Companies using technology

The website uses cookies. As part of our website, we use cookies to provide you with services at the highest level, including in a manner tailored to individual needs. Using the website without changing the cookie settings means that they will be stored on your end device. You can change cookie settings at any time.

As your browser sends the Do Not Track header, we have disabled, all but the necessary cookies and scripts. You may change the configuration at any time.

Cookie settings »