FYI: Component cleaning using dry ice

[elagache]

Dear mid-60s Buick caregivers who are always in search better ways to do things,

The March/April issue of the Hagerty Drivers club magazine has an advertisement for a cleaning technique I had never heard of (after page 26.)  Here is the URL for the company:

https://www.drycenation.com/

They are apparently making a twist on sand blasting by using dry ice pellets instead of abrasives.  The extreme cooling causes the contaminants to contract and become loose from the components of your car.  The idea may be old but this technology was refined to its present state in 2019, so it is very new.

Judging from the website, the service appears to be quite expensive and most likely wouldn't be of immediate interest to anyone on this forum.  However, the concept is quite interesting and with time the technology might become more widespread and less expensive.

So this is one of those emerging technological "how-tos" to keep an eye on for the future.

Cheers, Edouard

[WkillGS]

Yes, I've had my eye on this process!
It's ideal for removing contaminates (Oil, grease, loose dirt), and even undercoating without damaging the substrate.
It won't replacing sandblasting/painting to restore a car to better than new condition, but it you have a gently used modern classic, it can bring it back to 'year one' condition.
I recall pricing in the $1500 range to do the underside of a car.
There's a company near me in Glenside, Pa that performs this service. Their Facebook page some some pics and short vids showing how well it can work:
https://www.facebook.com/actdryice

There are MANY non-automotive applications for this process. Neat stuff.

[campfamily]

Here's another company that does this process.

https://www.coldjet.com/dry-ice-blasting/

Keith