Industrial Cryotech's new CryoCut Vista system was designed for the machining of high-performance thermoplastics. For use in CNC machines, the company says the CryoCut Vista cryogenic technology delivers precise cooling to the cutting zone, enabling clean, burr-free machining of polymers often used in aerospace and medical applications.

CryoCut technology was originally developed to facilitate improved machining characteristics and tool life when machining hardened steel & iron, powdered metals, cobalt chrome and even carbide thermal spray coatings.

"There has been unrelenting demand from customers that are involved in precision machining of thermoplastics polymers" said company Chief Technology Officer Rick Knopf.

CryoCut Vista maintains the point-of-cut at temperatures as low as -50°F, improving material stiffness and reducing thermal distortion.">

Using liquid nitrogen, CryoCut Vista maintains the point-of-cut at temperatures as low as -50°F, improving material stiffness and reducing thermal distortion. This results in enhanced dimensional accuracy—with tolerances down to 0.000039" — and a 20% improvement in surface finish quality.

The system's smart digital interface allows operators to easily control and maintain temperature within ±2°F. Once activated via M-code, a stream of nitrogen flows through stainless steel nozzles, creating an inert, residue free cutting environment. This not only enhances process stability but also aligns with sterility and biocompatibility standards required in medical manufacturing.

In testing, the system demonstrated up to a 500% reduction in operational coolant costs thanks to efficient nitrogen use. As nitrogen makes up 78% of Earth's atmosphere, CryoCut Vista also delivers a sustainable machining solution.

"Precision machining plastic is fraught with challenges," says Rick Knopf, many of which revolve around preventing material from reaching the "rubbery" melt zone from heat generated in cutting. "With CryoCut Vista we can control & prevent this at the point of cut, the results are increased output and reduced burr formation."