• Ramp Down-The parts are first slowly cooled at a controlled rate until they are brought down to the target temperature.
• Soak-The parts are then subjected to a very precise program that varies both the temperature and time held at various temperatures for a period of 20-40 hours. The exact temperature reached, the variances in temperatures, and times held at temperature have been developed over the past few years by us and are unique to the Locus Design Group. The various programs, or "profiles", that we use are proprietary and designed to elicit the best performance for our valuable audio parts.
• Return to Ambient-The chamber is slowly allowed to warm up to ambient temperature.

During all of the phases , the "ramp down", "soak" and "return to ambient", the temperature is carefully controlled and monitored via computer to ensure every parameter of the program is executed as expected and no problems are encountered.

Who?
We are a firm that specializes in deep cryogenic processing for audio gear and musical instruments.

While we have a machine capable of holding large pieces of equipment, we have decided to focus on the two areas closest to the owners heart. He loves music and the equipment that allows him to listen to his music as the artist intended.

We will treat other items if our schedule permits. If you would like to have your tooling, or knives, or guns, or whatever, treated, shoot us an e-mail and we will let you know if we are able to accomodate your request.

We are a firm that truly does care about the customer. We live simply by the "golden rule". Try us for a refreshing change of pace, a vacation if you will, from all of the bad service and broken promises elsewhere. We will treat your equipment like it was our own. We will never share your personal info with others (except for our parent company Locus Design, the credit card company that does our processing and the shipping service). We will never send you spam. We respect your privacy.

Why?
Research indicates that changes occur in the microstructure of metals as a result of deep cryogenic treatment.

For example, tool steels, during a prolonged soak in a super cold temperature, -285F and below, austenite (large unstable particles of carbon carbide, resulting in a large grained lattice structure) converts to martensite (fine grained lattice structure). This creates a much more dense molecular structure, increasing strength and wear resistance. To make a long story short--deep cryogenic treatment decreases residual stresses, making for a stronger less brittle tool.

Deep cryogenic treatment is a permanent process. As the structure of the metal is irrevocably changed, refinishing, regrinding, resharpening and other action will not affect the treatment. Time cannot change the treatment, it doesn't fade out after several months, so it's a one time cost.

Who Can Benefit?
While we only focus on two things, DCT is useful for a wide variety of applications:

Audio--When Copper or Brass is formed into cables or AC plugs, the materials develop residual stress. For example, microscopic examination of the Copper in an AC cord would reveal many voids in the crystal lattice structure of the copper due to these residual stresses. Deep cryogenic treatment works at the atomic level; as the temperature decreases the atomic bonds start to weaken and research indicates that the crystal structure of Copper reverts to its original state.

Knives/Swords--Many knife and sword makers use this process as it gives metal a more uniform hardness and greater dimensional stability, allowing the blade to take a sharper edge and hold that edge MUCH longer than if not treated.

Guns--Many gun enthusiasts have already discovered the profound difference deep cryogenic treatment can make to their weapon in the area of accuracy.

Tools--Want to reduce your tooling costs? Many studies have shown that deep cryogenically treated cutting tools will last as much aslong as 400% longer than non-treated ones. Many CNC machine shops are discovering the joy of less broken bits and not having to send them in for sharpening as often.

Golf--Due to Jack Nicklaus, many golfers are already aware that deep cryogenic treatment makes a big difference in a golf club. Many golfers are reporting adding up to 30 yards to their drives after getting their clubs treated. And...believe it or not, a treated golf ball will add another 10 yards or so, and the ball will stay playable much longer.

Motorsports
Sporting goods, especially softball and golf.
Musical instruments, especially brass instruments.
Plastics
Manufacturing
Anyone who wants to increase performance or profits...