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Arrow Cryogenics offers 3D printing (also called 3D modeling) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) services. Using your digital design files, we can produce solid, three-dimensional objects that match your exact specifications.

What is 3D Printing & Fused Deposition Modeling?
3D printing and fused deposition modeling are forms of additive manufacturing, in which successive layers of material are laid down to produce the desired shape. These processes are essentially the opposite of traditional machining, in which material is removed to create the object.

How does 3D Printing & FDM Work?
In 3D modeling and FDM, virtual blueprints are "sliced" into successive digital cross-sections for the printing device to use as a printing guideline. The printer reads these modified designs and lays down successive layers of material, typically thermoplastics (Arrow Cryogenics uses PC, ABS, and Ultem). The material is heated to a semi-liquid state and extruded through a nozzle that moves along X, Y, and Z axes as needed. Layers are deposited on top of each other, from the bottom up, and are joined or automatically fused to create the final shape.

Benefits of 3D Printing & FDM
One of the primary advantages of using 3D printing or fused deposition modeling to create a product is the processes' ability to create almost any shape or geometric figure. Supporting structures can be used to produce highly complex geometries and cavities that would be difficult or impossible to create through traditional manufacturing methods; these supports are designed to be easily removable upon completion of the object.

Both processes are similar to injection molding. However, 3D printing and fused deposition modeling are generally faster, more flexible, and more precise.

3D Printing & FDM Applications
3D printing and fused deposition modeling have numerous industrial and commercial applications. Their most common use is in rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing, though, depending on the product to be created and the material to be used, 3D modeling and FDM can also be viable solutions for mass production.

Arrow Cryogenics offers 3D printing and fused deposition modeling in quick turnaround times and at competitive prices. We work with state-of-the-art Stratasys equipment and PC, ABS, and Ultem materials to create objects as large as 16" x 14" x 16". Contact us today for more information.

Hand deburring, also known as manual deburring, requires a talented person for the job, as effective, efficient hand deburring is almost an art form. Arrow Cryogenics staff includes employees who have been in our hand deburring department for many years and are experts at what they do. They enjoy their jobs, and it shows in the quality of parts we deliver.

Hand deburring is necessary for a wide range of parts we finish at Arrow, from critical medical components that need to be delicately deburred under a microscope to larger parts that need to have material removed with sanders or grinders.

Manual deburring is a very versatile process. A variety of tools can be used, enabling us to finish all types of parts with the same high levels of precision and quality. Because all work is performed by hand, we are able to inspect parts as we go to ensure quality and consistency.

Hand deburring is frequently the best option for deburring parts, especially for deburring low quantities of parts. It is also often the most efficient deburring process, particularly when a quick turnaround is required.

Whatever your hand deburring requirements, you can count on Arrow Cryogenics for superior quality and quick deliveries.

What is Vapor Degreasing?
Vapor degreasing is a surface finishing process that uses vaporized solvents to remove oil and other solvent-soluble contaminants. A number of solvents can be used in vapor degreasing, depending on the material(s) from which the workpiece is made and the nature of the contaminants present. Arrow Cryogenics expertise in vapor degreasing and cleaning enables us to determine the ideal cleaning process for each customers unique application.

Request a quote on vapor degreasing, or contact Arrow Cryogenics to learn more.

How Does Vapor Degreasing Work?
A vapor degreaser is a machine with an enclosed chamber surrounding a heating element and a reservoir containing the necessary solvents. The workpiece is placed into the chamber, and the heating element is used to bring the solvent to a boil. As the solvent boils and evaporates, the resulting vapors rise into the open space within the chamber.

The workpiece, being cooler than the solvent vapors, causes the vapors to condense on its surface. As the vapors condense back into liquid form, they penetrate the contaminants and contain them within their now-liquid structure. The solvent is left to drip off the part, taking the impurities with it.

This precision part cleaning process lends itself to a wide variety of applications, as workpieces of any shape can be cleaned through this process.

Vapor degreasing is ideal for:

Thoroughly removing oil, grease, and other solvent-soluble contaminants
Penetrating blind holes, cracks, recesses, etc. for perfect precision parts cleaning
Preparing part surfaces for finishing processes such as painting and welding
Cleaning electronics parts and components that may be damaged by cleaning with water
Cleaning inserts prior to being molded into material
Request a quote on vapor degreasing for your parts and components, or contact Arrow Cryogenics for more information. Sample processing is available upon request.

Stainless steel passivation is a process that makes stainless steel even less susceptible to corrosive environmental factors, such as air and water. While stainless steel is corrosion-resistant by nature, it is not entirely impervious to rusting. Iron embedded in the surface during part forming and machining can corrode and create rust spots on the stainless steel, called rouging.

In stainless steel passivation, exogenous iron andor iron compounds are removed from a stainless steel surface. Passivating improves the condition of part surfaces by removing surface contaminants in a chemical bath. This chemical bath fully dissolves the embedded iron without significantly affecting the stainless steel. After the parts have been run through the passivation bath, a passive film forms almost instantly. This passive film further improves stainless steel's natural corrosion resistance.

Request a quote on stainless steel passivation. Contact Arrow Cryogenics to learn more.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Passivation
Improved corrosion resistance without plating
Superior surface cleanliness
Eliminates iron contamination reactions with other materials
No discoloration from rust
No dimensional change
Passivation & Cleaning Specifications
Arrow Cryogenics certifies to many passivation and cleaning specifications, including, but not limited to:

AMS 2700
ASTM B912
ASTM B849
MIL-STD-753B
1E4347
MIL-STD-753C
ASTM F86
AMS-QQ-P-35
MIL-STD-753C
1E2860

ASTM A380
CGA G-4.1
MIL-S-13165C
MIL-STD-808A
JDS-G169 ASTM B117
MIL-F-14072D
MIL-STD-171D
WS19168A
A967

The thermal deburring process is ideal for removing burrs in difficult to reach areas, such as those in machined and die cast parts. Thermal deburring is conducive for all types of metal, with the exception of magnesium.

In thermal deburring, heat is used to deburr or deflash parts. Parts are sealed in a closed chamber which is then filled with a mixture of oxygen and natural gas, which is ignited to generate combustion as an energy source for processing. During the combustion process, the short burst of intense heat that is created affects all surfaces inside the chamber. Though this blast of heat only lasts roughly 20 milliseconds, temperatures can reach upwards of 3000C (5430F).

Because they have a relatively large surface area in relation to their mass, burrs are quickly heated above the combustion point and burn off, combining with excess oxygen to create an oxide powder that is easily cleaned away after processing. The remainder of the part, having considerably greater mass, is unaffected by the brief burst of heat. The parts dimensions and metallurgy remain unchanged.

Thermal deburring is a highly effective process that can be applied to parts of all shapes and sizes. It not only removes burrs from external part surfaces, but also internal burrs and burrs in difficult or impossible-to-access areas, such as inside tapped holes or other cavities. Thermal deburring delivers fast, reliable results.

Abrasive blasting is used to finish, clean or prepare metals and plastics using a variety of media in blasting machines. Blasting removes surface debris such as rust or other types of residual contaminants and scale. This process is also important in the cleaning and roughening of part surfaces prior to coating. The increased surface adhesion of a suitably blasted part results in a stronger bond between the coating and the parts surface. Abrasive blasting of medical implants increases the implant surface area, which in turn increases the percentage of bone attachment for medical and dental implants.

Abrasive Blasting Media
Some of the most common types of abrasive blasting media include glass bead, ceramic and aluminum oxide. Glass beads result in a soft, bright finish and are excellent for shot blasting and light deburring applications. Aluminum oxide is very abrasive and is used for blasting some of the hardest metals and surfaces. Other types of metallic, synthetic, and mineral blasting media are available depending on customer needs.

Abrasive blasting is ideal for the following applications:

Removing glare when under surgical lighting for medical and dental instruments
Improving adhesion for medical devices
Increasing implant surface area, which increases the percentage of bone attachment for medical and dental implants.
Descaling (removal of heat treat scale)
Texturing for paint adhesion
Texturing for mechanical function
Producing a uniform cosmetic finish
Arrow Cryogenics has a wide variety of blasting machines, each dedicated to one type of media to avoid cross-contamination. Several of our machines are dedicated strictly to medical components and other machines are able to run a wide variety of parts.

Shot Blasting and Peening
Shot blasting utilizes specialized machines to peen the surface of material with one of many sizes of media. This is done to remove surface debris, such as mill scale and provide a surface prepared for paint adhesion or flash removal. Stainless steel and steel media is most commonly used in our shot blasting process with different sizes available to provide a wide range of finishes. Arrow Cryogenics has a wide variety of shot blasting machines available to process our customers parts.

Arrow Cryogenics has been offering cryogenic deflashing and deburring to numerous industries since 1983. Our expertise, along with a wide variety of cryogenic deflashing machines, has allowed us to customize equipment, invent processes and master the art of turning your precision components into high quality, finished parts.

Cryogenic deflashing and deburring is one of the most efficient and cost-effective processes to remove flash from injection molded parts and burrs from machined components. This process can be completed on a wide variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, silicone and light metal die castings.

Cryogenic Deflashing
Cryogenic deflashing of rubber and plastic parts removes unwanted residual mold flash that is found on molded parts after removal from the mold. Flash is typically found in areas where the mold comes together or apart, when the liquid mold material escapes from the mold cavity during production. Cryogenic deflashing does not degrade the parts or harm their finish, with only the flash removed and the shape of the part retained. Edges stay sharp and recessed areas are completely cleaned of flash.

A wide range of molded materials can be deflashed with great precision:

Silicone
Plastic
Rubber
Die Casting
Typical examples of applications that use cryogenic deflashing include:

O-rings & gaskets
Medical implants, surgical tools and devices
Electronic connectors, switches, and bobbins
Gears, washers and fittings
Grommets and flexible boots
Manifolds and valve blocks
Cryogenic Deburring
A raised edge of excess material on a metal part, called a burr, is the result of performing a machining operation such as grinding, milling, drilling or turning. Removing this burr is called deburring. Cryogenic deburring of components increases their safety, quality and functionality. Cryogenic deburring is much more economical and efficient than labor intensive hand deburring. You can save time, cost, and have consistent quality using cryogenics for deburring.

The Deflashing and Deburring Process
Using liquid nitrogen during our deflashing and deburring process, components are lowered to a temperature that allows the material to become brittle. Then, utilizing our cryogenic deflashing machines the flash and burrs are easily removed without altering the finish on the parts. In some cases, we are asked to change the finish on certain parts or provide a polished or textured finish. Arrow Cryogenics will work closely with you to achieve the finish you require.

Request Sample Processing for Cryogenic Deflashing & Cryogenic Deburring. Contact Arrow Cryogenics to learn more other deflashing and deburring services: vibratorytumble deburring, hand deburring, thermal deburring and centrifugal finishing.

Below are some before and after samples of parts that have been deflashed or deburred at Arrow Cryogenics.

Stainless steel electropolishing (or stainless steel polishing) could be described as a reverse plating process. It uses a combination of rectified current and a blended chemical electrolyte bath to remove imperfections from the surface of metal parts and provide a surface that is clean and bright.

How Does Electropolishing Work?
In stainless steel electropolishing, impurities, imperfections, and burrs are removed, ion by ion, from the surface of the metal object being processed. Electropolishing is an effective replacement for more traditional mechanical finishing techniques.

To start the stainless steel polishing process, parts are submerged in the temperature-controlled electrolyte bath and charged with positive DC voltage. The parts act as electrical anodes (or positive terminals), while cathodes (negative terminals) inside the tank draw current from the parts through the conductive electrolyte liquid. As the current travels from the parts to the cathodes, it draws metal ions from the surface of the parts through the electrolyte. After processing, electropolished parts will have a clean and polished surface.

Stainless steel electropolishing is very similar to high polish chrome plating, but uses none of the harmful chemicals required for chrome plating. It is a far safer and more environmentally-friendly process.

Electrolyte Solutions
The electrolyte solutions used for stainless steel electropolishing most often consist of high viscosity acid solutions, such as sulfuric or phosphoric acid mixtures. Arrow Cryogenics carefully formulates and maintains our electrolyte chemistries to ensure the best and most effective results for your stainless steel polishing project.

Benefits of Arrow Cryogenics Stainless Steel Polishing Process
Customers rely on Arrow Cryogenics expertise in stainless steel electropolishing and other part cleaning processes to finish their complex parts and components.

Polishes areas inaccessible by other polishing methods
Electropolishing improves surface reflectivity and brightness
Improves the surface finish by leveling micro peaks and valleys
Removes iron from the surface and enhances the chromiumnickel content, providing the best method of passivation for stainless steel
Because electropolishing removes a small amount of material (roughly 20-40 micrometers thick) from the part surface, small burrs and high spots are also removed
Electropolishing can be used to slightly reduce the size of parts, if necessary
Provides a clean and smooth surface that is easier to sterilize
The stainless steel polishing process treats all areas of the part, including those that would be inaccessible via other polishing techniques
Provides a corrosion resistant surface
Removes surface discoloration caused by heat treating andor oxidation
Creates a bright, reflective finish

Vibratory Deburring and Tumble Deburring is a mass finishing process that depends on friction for results. A machine is utilized that provides vibratory action and causes media to be rubbed against the parts to be finished. Many types of media can be used, depending on the required finish.

Vibratory and Tumble Finishing is ideal for the following applications:

Removal of burrs
Creating radius edges for safe handling
Prepping parts for plating
Texturing parts for adhesion
Polishing parts for appearance
BALL BURNISHING is also accomplished with Vibratory or Tumble Finishing Machines. By using a hardened steel media and the right compound, Arrow is able to produce a smooth, polished finish on our customers parts.

Arrow Cryogenics has several different Vibratory Machines and Tumbling Barrels in a variety of sizes to meet our customers needs. We also have a large supply of media in many different shapes and sizes, and varied compositions of media to provide the exact finish needed.

From small parts to very large, Arrow Cryogenic has the right machine and the exact media to provide the exact finish required.