2
has been debated on whether the treatment increases the
performance of drill bits by enhancing their wear resistance
and overall effectiveness.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION ON
CRYOGENIC TREATMENT AND ITS
BENEFITS FOR METALS
Cryogenic treatment is a thermal processing technique that
subjects materials to extremely low temperatures, typically
below –150°C (–238°F). The process involves gradually
cooling the material to cryogenic temperatures, holding it at
these temperatures for an extended period, and then slowly
warming it back to room temperature. This controlled
cooling and warming cycle modifies the microstructure of
the material, resulting in several advantageous changes for
metals. “The results of CT (cryogenic treatment) is a reduc-
tion in material degradation and a possible 3-fold increase
in the service life of the treated metallic material” [1]
The origins of cryogenic treatment can be traced back to
the early 20th century. Its application in metallurgy began
to gain prominence in the mid-20th century. Cryogenic
treatment found its first notable industrial application in
the aerospace industry, where it was used to improve the
performance and lifespan of critical components like tur-
bine blades and gears. [8]
BENEFITS OF ENRICH BITS &TOOLS
TREATMENT FOR METALS
There are numerous benefits to metals when treated with a
cryogenic process, which have been extensively studied and
documented over the years. These benefits include:
Enhanced Abrasion Resistance: Cryogenically treated
metals exhibit superior resistance to abrasion and wear,
making them ideal for high-wear applications like drill bits.
“The increasing of the hardness and wear resistance in deep
cryogenic treatment is related to the conversion of the retained
austenite to martensite, more sediment and more uniform
distribution of carbides.” 6 maybe use this one for tool life
below.” [7]
Extended Tool Life: Cryogenically treated tools,
including drill bits, demonstrate a longer service life due
to increased wear resistance and reduced wear rates. “DCT
(Deep Cryogenic Treatment) provides a significant improve-
ment, up to 25%, in the wear resistance of AISI 431, which is
related to the much slower evolution of the wear processes and
the reduced coefficient of friction induced by the higher pres-
ence of harder microstructural phases (martensite phases and
carbides).” [6]
Improved Corrosion Resistance: Some materials
also experience increased resistance to corrosion, which
is essential in harsh operating environments. “The pos-
sible mechanism for increase in corrosion resistance has been
explained based on Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and
X-Ray diffraction (XRD) study. The morphology of the corroded
surfaces of the samples was studied using Atomic force micros-
copy (AFM). It was found that there is 69 %improvement in
corrosion resistance because of deep cryogenic treatment, fur-
ther it was seen that the increase in corrosion resistance was due
to the contribution of increased pearlite phase. Deep cryogenic
treatment had no adverse effect on ultimate tensile strength
and hardness, which are crucial properties to be considered for
rebar.” [3]
Reduced Residual Stresses: Cryogenic treatment helps
relieve residual stresses in metals, reducing the risk of crack-
ing and improving dimensional stability. “The reversed
austenite even occurs DIMT behavior under large plastic
deformation to further reduce the stress concentration and pre-
vent the initiation and propagation of cracks.” [5]
Better Dimensional Stability: “Simultaneous enhance-
ment of ductility and strength with higher elastic modulus was
obtained for cryogenically treated alloy. Lower carbon content
of martensite and higher volume fraction with more uniform
distribution of carbides with average diameter below 1 μm
made major contributions to mechanical properties improve-
ment” [4] Cryogenic treatment can enhance the dimen-
sional stability of metals, ensuring reliability in critical
applications.
Increased Hardness: Cryogenic treatment significantly
enhances the hardness of metals. The process promotes the
transformation of retained austenite into martensite, result-
ing in improved wear resistance and strength. “..after the
cryogenic treatment increasing the hardness of the tool steel and
causing secondary carbide precipitation. These are among the
most important factors for the improvements in the service life
of tool steel.” [2]
FAILURE MODE
Failure modes of production drilling are increased in the
field outside of a controlled laboratory experiment. For this
study, a typical button bit was implemented over a rotary
bit to reduce the number of failure modes. The application
of limestone quarry blasting calls for a button bit primarily.
The quarry maintained the standard operating procedures
during the entirety of the test. This results in the typical
failure of three methods.
1. The life of the bit lasts long enough for the carbide
buttons to wear flat. This is the best-case scenario
for a bit failure and usually results in the target life
of the bit.
has been debated on whether the treatment increases the
performance of drill bits by enhancing their wear resistance
and overall effectiveness.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION ON
CRYOGENIC TREATMENT AND ITS
BENEFITS FOR METALS
Cryogenic treatment is a thermal processing technique that
subjects materials to extremely low temperatures, typically
below –150°C (–238°F). The process involves gradually
cooling the material to cryogenic temperatures, holding it at
these temperatures for an extended period, and then slowly
warming it back to room temperature. This controlled
cooling and warming cycle modifies the microstructure of
the material, resulting in several advantageous changes for
metals. “The results of CT (cryogenic treatment) is a reduc-
tion in material degradation and a possible 3-fold increase
in the service life of the treated metallic material” [1]
The origins of cryogenic treatment can be traced back to
the early 20th century. Its application in metallurgy began
to gain prominence in the mid-20th century. Cryogenic
treatment found its first notable industrial application in
the aerospace industry, where it was used to improve the
performance and lifespan of critical components like tur-
bine blades and gears. [8]
BENEFITS OF ENRICH BITS &TOOLS
TREATMENT FOR METALS
There are numerous benefits to metals when treated with a
cryogenic process, which have been extensively studied and
documented over the years. These benefits include:
Enhanced Abrasion Resistance: Cryogenically treated
metals exhibit superior resistance to abrasion and wear,
making them ideal for high-wear applications like drill bits.
“The increasing of the hardness and wear resistance in deep
cryogenic treatment is related to the conversion of the retained
austenite to martensite, more sediment and more uniform
distribution of carbides.” 6 maybe use this one for tool life
below.” [7]
Extended Tool Life: Cryogenically treated tools,
including drill bits, demonstrate a longer service life due
to increased wear resistance and reduced wear rates. “DCT
(Deep Cryogenic Treatment) provides a significant improve-
ment, up to 25%, in the wear resistance of AISI 431, which is
related to the much slower evolution of the wear processes and
the reduced coefficient of friction induced by the higher pres-
ence of harder microstructural phases (martensite phases and
carbides).” [6]
Improved Corrosion Resistance: Some materials
also experience increased resistance to corrosion, which
is essential in harsh operating environments. “The pos-
sible mechanism for increase in corrosion resistance has been
explained based on Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and
X-Ray diffraction (XRD) study. The morphology of the corroded
surfaces of the samples was studied using Atomic force micros-
copy (AFM). It was found that there is 69 %improvement in
corrosion resistance because of deep cryogenic treatment, fur-
ther it was seen that the increase in corrosion resistance was due
to the contribution of increased pearlite phase. Deep cryogenic
treatment had no adverse effect on ultimate tensile strength
and hardness, which are crucial properties to be considered for
rebar.” [3]
Reduced Residual Stresses: Cryogenic treatment helps
relieve residual stresses in metals, reducing the risk of crack-
ing and improving dimensional stability. “The reversed
austenite even occurs DIMT behavior under large plastic
deformation to further reduce the stress concentration and pre-
vent the initiation and propagation of cracks.” [5]
Better Dimensional Stability: “Simultaneous enhance-
ment of ductility and strength with higher elastic modulus was
obtained for cryogenically treated alloy. Lower carbon content
of martensite and higher volume fraction with more uniform
distribution of carbides with average diameter below 1 μm
made major contributions to mechanical properties improve-
ment” [4] Cryogenic treatment can enhance the dimen-
sional stability of metals, ensuring reliability in critical
applications.
Increased Hardness: Cryogenic treatment significantly
enhances the hardness of metals. The process promotes the
transformation of retained austenite into martensite, result-
ing in improved wear resistance and strength. “..after the
cryogenic treatment increasing the hardness of the tool steel and
causing secondary carbide precipitation. These are among the
most important factors for the improvements in the service life
of tool steel.” [2]
FAILURE MODE
Failure modes of production drilling are increased in the
field outside of a controlled laboratory experiment. For this
study, a typical button bit was implemented over a rotary
bit to reduce the number of failure modes. The application
of limestone quarry blasting calls for a button bit primarily.
The quarry maintained the standard operating procedures
during the entirety of the test. This results in the typical
failure of three methods.
1. The life of the bit lasts long enough for the carbide
buttons to wear flat. This is the best-case scenario
for a bit failure and usually results in the target life
of the bit.