Abstract: Apparatus and method for construction of a rectangular deep cryogenic treatment chamber using an insulated, steel structure capable of large size and large volume cold thermal treatment. Apparatus includes end or top-mounted closure, liquid nitrogen delivery and distribution mechanisms, fan motors, cold diffusion-less thermal exchange, external heating element, electrical wiring and machined components. The design facilitates both low temperature, dry vapor thermal processing of metal and metal-matrix components down to ?320° F. to enhance wear, corrosion, mechanical, thermal and electrical characteristics, and also post-cryogenic tempering capability to 300° F. The apparatus describes an external, LN2 storage dewar and solenoid-activated, gravity fed cryogen delivery via distribution hubs and distributed flow tubes. The apparatus also describes integrated deep cryogenic treatment authentication, test, validation and certification equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments describe a means to authenticate manufacture of AM parts to a third party using witness artifacts. Embodiments describe cryogenic processing of additive manufactured (AM) metal and metal-matrix items to improve mechanical, physical, electrical, and/or chemical properties. Embodiments also describe a method of scientific testing and engineering analysis that validate cryogenically treated, AM items by measuring and contrasting enhancements in wear, corrosion, fracture, fatigue, and electro-chemical properties against baseline samples. Embodiments also describe a certification method, using a MIL-STD format digitized or written report that outputs a standards-based, First Article Test report and certification statement. The embodiments describe a lean processing method and value stream map that captures defects and identifies and segregates discrepant parts along with proxy witness test samples.

Abstract: Embodiments validate cryogenic processing of metal-matrix validation articles according to destructive and/or non-destructive testing of witness articles. For example, validation can certify that the validation article has undergone a particular cryogenic treatment protocol, resulting in validated and/or certified enhancements in wear characteristics, resistance to corrosion, increases in electrochemical bonding of surface treatments, increases in theoretical useable lifespan, etc. According to some embodiments, processing results are validated by generating witness results from destructive and/or non-destructive testing of the witness articles subsequent to deep-cryogenic treatment. The processing (e.g., including witness results and/or analysis thereof) may then be entered into a computer-controlled, parametric analysis system that generates absolute and comparative validation and/or certification of the validation articles.

Abstract: Embodiments validate cryogenic processing of metal-matrix validation articles according to destructive and/or non-destructive testing of witness articles. For example, validation can certify that the validation article has undergone a particular cryogenic treatment protocol, resulting in validated and/or certified enhancements in wear characteristics, resistance to corrosion, increases in electrochemical bonding of surface treatments, increases in theoretical useable lifespan, etc. According to some embodiments, processing results are validated by generating witness results from destructive and/or non-destructive testing of the witness articles subsequent to deep-cryogenic treatment. The processing (e.g., including witness results and/or analysis thereof) may then be entered into a computer-controlled, parametric analysis system that generates absolute and comparative validation and/or certification of the validation articles.

Abstract: Embodiments validate cryogenic processing of metal-matrix validation articles according to destructive and/or non-destructive testing of witness articles. For example, validation can certify that the validation article has undergone a particular cryogenic treatment protocol, resulting in validated and/or certified enhancements in wear characteristics, resistance to corrosion, increases in electrochemical bonding of surface treatments, increases in theoretical useable lifespan, etc. According to some embodiments, processing results are validated by generating witness results from destructive and/or non-destructive testing of the witness articles subsequent to deep-cryogenic treatment. The processing (e.g., including witness results and/or analysis thereof) may then be entered into a computer-controlled, parametric analysis system that generates absolute and comparative validation and/or certification of the validation articles.