What information does a hardening plant need from its customers?
In order for heat treatment to deliver exactly the desired result, all parameters must be coordinated—material, component geometry, hardening process, and operating conditions. HTR GmbH attaches great importance to technically accurate communication between the customer and the hardening plant. After all, only those who receive the right information can harden precisely, economically, and reproducibly.
When hardening, case hardening, nitriding, or tempering, every detail influences the end result: hardness, hardening depth, dimensional accuracy, surface quality. Incomplete information can lead to unnecessary delays, queries, deviations, or rework. Therefore, the more precise the input, the better the result. In order for us to treat your component optimally, we need certain technical and organizational information.
Technical and organizational information
- Material specifications
- Precise material designation (e.g., 16MnCr5, C45, 42CrMo4, 1.2379, etc.)
- If available: material certificate or supplier data sheet
- Information on subsequent processing steps (e.g., erosion) or surface treatments (e.g., TiN)
➡️ Why it is important: The material determines the hardening temperature, quenching medium, and post-treatment.
- Drawing or sketch
- Dimensional drawing with tolerances and (if available) hardening depth
- Marking of functional surfaces and hardening zones
- Specification of critical dimensions after heat treatment
➡️ Why it is important: Only with a clear definition of the functional surfaces can targeted hardening and distortion control be achieved.
- Hardening specifications
- Target hardness including unit (HRC, HV, etc.)
- Hardness depth (e.g., case hardening depth, surface hardness)
- Hardening process (e.g., case hardening, induction hardening, nitriding, vacuum hardening)
- Hardness zones or selective hardening areas, if relevant
➡️ Why it is important: This data forms the basis for process selection and temperature control.
- Information on pretreatment
- Surface condition (e.g., degreased, coated, galvanized)
- Microstructure condition of the material (soft annealed, tempered, raw)
➡️ Why it is important: Coatings, residues, or stresses can influence the hardening process or lead to errors.
- Geometric and material characteristics
- Asymmetries, drill holes, undercuts, or significant differences in wall thickness
- If necessary: fixture instructions or clamping position
➡️ Why it is important: Geometric characteristics have a direct impact on distortion, the risk of cracking, hardness distribution, and heat conduction.
- Quality requirements & tests
- Special testing methods (e.g., 100% hardness testing, micrograph, depth measurement)
- Documentation requirements or certificates
- Acceptance criteria (e.g., dimensional accuracy, freedom from cracks, hardness distribution)
➡️ Why it is important: Clear testing criteria prevent misunderstandings and ensure reproducible quality.
- Delivery and packaging information
- Delivery date or desired processing time
- Packaging requirements (e.g., corrosion protection, individual packaging, batching)
- Information on traceability or serial numbers
➡️ Why it is important: Clean logistics guarantee the reliable traceability of every component.
This is how the process works at HTR
- Request with drawing and technical data
- Technical evaluation by our specialist engineers
- Determination of the optimal heat treatment process
- Quotation with transparent prices
- Process execution under controlled conditions
- Inspection, documentation, and return delivery
➡️ The result: hardness with precision, process reliability, and traceability.
Your advantage: Cooperation on equal terms
Our experience shows that the best results are achieved when the customer and the hardening shop work as a team. Early coordination and clear communication help to avoid delays, shorten processing times, and minimize scrap.
HTR GmbH – Your partner for precise heat treatment and transparent processes.



