This important book explains how and why wear resistance in metals and other materials is improved exposure to subzero or deep cold temperatures (cryogenic treatment). While cryogenics is not a recently discovered process, its benefits have not been fully exploited industry. One reason for this neglect is that, until now, there has not been a single source of information that explains how it works, and why it works. This book provides answers to these and other questions including:  Which materials can be improved cryogenics? Can the increase in wear resistance be predicted? Should tools be reprocessed after resharpening? Why do in expensive tools perform like expensive ones after processing? How does cryogenics increase tool hardness? Does processing alter the appearance of parts? How can even small shops acquire inexpensive processing equipment? What is the thin film surface layer?