Controlled Thermal Processing

Controlled Thermal Processing was started by race car driver Jim Birks around 1980. Jim started the company after he accidentally cryo treated a race car engine. Jim was amazed at the longevity of the engine and talked it over with an eminent metallurgist at one of his customers. (Jim sold machine tools to support his racing habit.) He studied the research available at the time, and decided to do some experimenting on his own. That got him started.

Jim is in his 80's now, but is still active with the company and still building race winning engines.

Jim soon brought in a friend, Bay Darnell, another early racer. Bay, (pictured at the left)   recognized the value of cryogenics early on.  Bay has been extremely valuable in helping us work with the racing teams.

Controlled Thermal Processing, Inc. has been a very active company when it comes to research and development in the cryogenic processing world. We've participated in many tests that are conducted by independent laboratories, national laboratories, and universities. We process parts for research efforts of students.  Our goal is to provide our customers with top quality processes that assure their success whether it be in industry or on the race track.

Frederick J. (Rick) Diekman

Rick is an engineer and has worked in the field of wear resistance for about 30 years. His work included projects for Ford, General Motors, American Motors and their suppliers. Results included a ten fold life increase in suspension springs for Ford, increases in die life for GM plus solving wear problems in the GM's automatic transmissions, treating dies for the American Motors Alliance that resulted in the company being able to keep the manufacturing of the car in the US, and others.

His introduction to Cryogenic Processing occurred while working for Fel-Pro, the automotive gasket manufacturer. His assignment was to make the company's tooling last longer. After a computer search (a rather expensive and involved process at that point in time) to find out about cryogenics he gave it a try. This trial resulted in a 10% increase in die life, which was not very interesting on an economic basis. Not too long after these results he was introduced to Jim Birks who was able to tell him why the results were so disappointing. Jim treated a die with excellent results. Altogether, including changes in die sharpening and manufacturing, cryogenic processing, and changes in maintenance procedures, Rick was able to show Fel-Pro an 8 times increase in the life of their tooling.

Success with cryogenics at Fel-Pro lead the way for Rick to obtain half of Controlled Thermal Processing, Inc. Since then he was instrumental in the forming of the ASM Cryogenic Processing Sub Committee. He has lectured on cryogenics and has taught the ASM course on cryogenic processing.  He works closely with the Cryogenic Society of America.  He runs our Chicago area plant and is president of Controlled Thermal Processing, Inc.

Roger Schiradelly

Roger is a respected engine builder with over 40 years of experience.  He has designed and built winning engines for all levels of racing.  He has many technological innovations on his resume.  He is also a certified die maker.  Roger runs our plant in the Mooresville, North Carolina area.  Here he is pictured with Jay Leno during a recent webshoot Jay did on cryogenic processing.

Mike Pinkine

Mike runs our special projects area.  He is responsible for sales of our brakes and for working with developing new markets.  Mike has about 30 years experience as a gunsmith and came to us after being disappointed with another processing company. You see, he likes things done right.  He's been with us about 12 years now.

David Herron

David has a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and over 30 years experience in the casting indusrtry.  He has specialized in cost reductions through superior casting techniques.  This lead him to realize the huge savings potential that cryogenic processing could offer the foundry industry. 

Applied Cryogenics, Inc.

Dr. Jeffrey Levine, Ph.D.

Applied Cryogenics, Inc. was formed in 1980. In 1986, they made their first vacuum insulated machine. That machine is still running. Applied Cryogenics is run by the company's founder, Dr. Jeff Levine. Jeff is one of the most respected people in the industry. He has a doctorate in Physics from MIT. Jeff is the owner of Applied Cryogenics.

Victor Aviation

Victor Aviation has entered the cryogenic field for the processing of racing components and is working with the FAA for approval of cryogenic processing on aircraft engines. Located in Palo Alto, California, they are a welcome addition to our group of qualified cryogenic treaters.

Victor Aviation is recognized around the world as the standard by which other overhaul facilities are measured. Since 1977, "Power By Victor"™ engines have been installed in thousands of light aircraft ranging from Piper Super Cubs to Pressurized Navajo aircraft.

Many of Victor's customers have flown their "Power By Victor"™ engines in around the world flights over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. With Victor's world distribution and service capabilities in the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Japan, Victor engines "go the distance". Many original aircraft manufacturers have also relied upon the expertise of Victor Sloan to help improve their own piston-powered aircraft, and it isn't uncommon to find new manufactured aircraft with "Power By Victor"™ Black Edition™ engines installed. read more

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