Cryogenically treated RB26 engine internals

[Shaun]

Im getting my R33 GTR engine rebuilt with forged pistons and standard everything else, and i was wondering about cryogenically treating the rotating assembly. Does anyone know more about this process and the results achieved. I would also like to know where in sydney i can get this done.

I understand that it involves cooling the material to -240 degrees celcius so that the grains in the metal realign, therefore destressing the component. Some more info would be appreciated.

Thanks, Shaun.

0414972596

[PLYNX]

I think they were called the LSW group (02)9708 0888. They were claiming 200-600% in strength and durability. I looked into the process when it was only available in the US.

The companies over there were at the time first dropping the temp of the components down to -240 degrees C and bringing it up to 125 degrees C then back to ambient temp over about 48 hours I think. It is a destressing process designed to negate the micocracking in the metal structure. From what I remember of my metal technology I dont think it actually realigns the the granular structure of the metal. To do so youd have to first heat the metal to about 900 degrees C or so so it becomes semi plastic and hold it there for quite a while to allow dendritic structures to grow with in the metal for extra strength. Then it must be cooled very slowly to allow the entire structure to hold in its present pattern. But its been awhile since I looked into the process and maybe things have changed

Hope this helps

[Shaun]

Thanks plynx, that does help. Ill look into it further.