A
cryogenic treatment is the process of treating workpieces to
cryogenic temperatures (i.e. below ) in order to remove
residual stresses and improve
wear resistance on
steels. In addition to seeking enhanced stress relief and stabilization, or wear resistance, cryogenic treatment is also sought for its ability to improve corrosion resistance by precipitating micro-fine eta carbides, which can be measured before and after in a part using a quantimet.