Business Spotlight: Cryopro makes material stronger, better, colder

"Cold is relative," said David C. Hutchison. "Right now, people are talking about how cold it is outside. In my business, though, cold is 300 degrees below zero."

Hutchison is the president of Cryopro, one of approximately 30 cryogenic tempering process facilities in the United States that specialize in freezing materials in ultra-cold temperatures to make them more durable. Formerly a purchasing agent for a local limousine company, Hutchison came up with the idea to start a cryogenic tempering facility after watching a program on cryogenics on the Discovery Channel in 1995.

A year later, he left his job and founded 300 Below. In 1997, Hutchison changed the company's name to Cryopro.

"Cryogenic tempering permanently changes the structure of metals and plastics by transforming soft carbon molecules into smaller and stronger carbon molecules," Hutchison said. "This makes the metal or plastic stronger and much more durable."

During cryogenic tempering, manufactured materials are cooled very slowly using liquid nitrogen until they reach minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The materials are kept at that temperature for a specific period of time, and then are brought up to ambient temperature.

"Natural materials, such as wood, diamonds, leather and cotton, don't respond to cryogenic tempering," Hutchison said. "Most metal products and man-made materials do, however."

Currently, Cryopro has a three-pronged customer base, which includes original equipment manufacturers, industrial clients and some retail customers. Most of these customers are located outside the Springfield area. In fact, Cryopro's largest original equipment manufacturer client is the Nicklaus Golf Equipment Co.

"I have a patent pending on Air Max, a set of super steel golf clubs manufactured by Jack Nicklaus," Hutchison said. "I cryo the club heads, which are made out of steel. These club heads are then attached to graphite shafts and are made into golf clubs. The Air Max cryo'd clubs perform like a top-of-the-line set of titanium golf clubs, but they cost much less."

Cryopro's industrial clients also have benefited from cryogenic processes developed by Hutchison. Hutchison has a patent pending on a PCB circuit board tool bit. Following cryogenic tempering, the tool bit's life increases by 150 percent.

In addition, Hutchison has another patent pending on an electric motor. Following cryogenic tempering, the motor's horsepower and efficiency increase significantly.

Although the majority of Hutchison's business comes from manufacturing and industrial clients, Cryopro also caters to some retail customers. In fact, Cryopro treats gun barrels, musical instruments, golf balls, tennis rackets, pantyhose and other items.

"We don't get a lot of walk-in business," Hutchison said. "Although we don't really cater to consumers, we do retail work because it's a good way to let consumers know about the benefits of cryogenics."

According to Hutchison, lack of consumer awareness has affected demand for cryogenic products. In addition, most manufacturers have spent years and millions of dollars to build and equip facilities in an effort to produce more units, not make fewer, more durable units.

"Despite the advantages, there isn't a large demand for cryogenic materials and tools right now," Hutchison said. "Most people haven't even heard about cryogenics, and I have to educate most of my customers and prove to them that cryogenics will save them time and money."

As part of his service, Hutchison does a cost analysis for each customer. In addition, he often gives away cryogenic products to prospective customers so they can test the benefits of a cryogenic product first hand.

A salesman and a part-time shop helper assist Hutchison at Cryopro. This gives Hutchison the time he needs to develop new patents.

"I'm going to start focusing on ways to make electrical products more energy efficient," Hutchison said. "I think the demand for more energy-efficient products is going to increase in the not-too-distant future. I'm also thinking about expanding into the field of document restoration, which is a lucrative and growing industry right now."