Liquid nitrogen on tooling enables fast, precise cutting.(FORMING/PROCESSING)

An advanced machining technology in which liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the tooling insert to enable precise cutting has been announced by Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Allentown, Pa. Designated Icefly, the technology is based on a jet of liquid nitrogen, cooled to -195[degrees]C (-320[degrees]F), which is sprayed on the insert. It enables precise cutting at rates of up to twice as fast as the cutting rates achieved on the same lathe without the Icefly, and is designed to increase tool life by up to 250% Ultimately, its ability to offset the high temperatures normally generated ...