Air Products licenses liquid nitrogen technology to ARS for cryo-machining

Air Products has licensed its proprietary cryogenic machining technology to Advanced Research Systems (ARS), a leading manufacturer of industrial and research cryogenic equipment, including ARS' globally-renowned low-temperature cryostats. 

The technology license agreement gives ARS extensive rights to Air Products' patented ICEFLY cryogenic machining technology, which has been applied broadly to the machining of metals and polymer materials. 

Included in the agreement is the transfer of ICEFLY cryogen delivery equipment design information and cryogenic machining know-how developed by Air Products. ICEFLY cryogen delivery equipment is compact, easily retrofitted to automated machine tools and machining centers, and can deliver either a consistent, saturated stream of liquid nitrogen for metals machining or a preset low-temperature gaseous nitrogen stream for polymer machining, according to company officials.

When used for metals machining, the vaporization of liquid nitrogen targeted at the cutting tool provides efficient cooling during the cutting operation, thereby enhancing tool life, enabling increased cutting speeds and feeds, and displacing the use of conventional coolants. 

When used for polymer machining, especially for applications within the medical segment where the use of traditional coolants may be undesirable or unacceptable, the equipment can deliver a predetermined low-temperature gaseous nitrogen stream to minimize and, in many cases, eliminate burrs on the work piece. 

"We are confident that ARS has the engineering and cryogenic equipment fabrication capabilities to successfully apply, offer, and support ICEFLY cryogenic machining technology in the machining marketplace," said Jeffrey Knopf, manager of licensing and technology transfer at Air Products. 

"We also welcome the opportunity to provide ARS customers with our safe and reliable liquid nitrogen suppl," he added. "As a global industrial gas supplier and recognized leader in cryogenic technology applications, Air Products has the experience and know-how to help ARS customers determine the most efficient and economical nitrogen supply option to meet their specific needs."

ARS will offer applications expertise and market ICEFLY cryogen delivery equipment under a newly-formed subsidiary called Industrial Cryogenic Technologies (ICT), a company that offers both ICEFLY equipment and turnkey offerings to integrate the cryo-machining solution.