Hardening in the Automotive Industry
At HTR, we develop and implement specialized heat treatment solutions that are specifically tailored to the high and ever-increasing demands of the automotive industry. Our heat treatment processes ensure an optimal combination of strength, wear resistance, and dimensional accuracy—crucial for safety-critical and heavily loaded components. Through state-of-the-art equipment, precise process control, and many years of experience, we support our customers in manufacturing reliable, durable, and cost-effective components for automotive mass production.
Commercial vehicles
HTR has long been a reliable partner to the trucking industry. We harden a wide variety of components.
Cars and motorcycles
HTR is a key link in the value chain of domestic automotive suppliers and performs heat treatment on molds for interior and exterior plastic parts as well as engine components.
Racing
For several years now, HTR has been supplying premium hardened components for the steering gears of race cars.
Our CORE COMPETENCIES
As one of the leading hardening companies,we are your reliable partner for industrial heat treatment. For over 25 years we have been hardening steel and other metals using state-of-the-art processes – dimension-stable, wear-resistant, and reproducible. Whether individual parts or series production: we combine expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and process controlto achieve the highest hardness quality and warp resistance .
48-hour service
Thanks to our unique organizational structure and customer-focused flexibility, we have been delivering top-quality hardened parts in record time for over 25 years.
Quality assurance
With a state-of-the-art control system, we keep an eye on all important parameters at all times and ensure that only flawless products are delivered.
Pick-up and delivery service
As part of our worry-free service package, our company-owned transport fleet enables daily pickups and deliveries in the central region of Upper Austria.
Knowledge transfer
In customized seminars, you will learn which combination of materials and hardening processes can reduce the costs of your project while achieving optimal component properties.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please use our contact form or contact our sales team directly.
Silvio Stranek
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Upper Austria, Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Bavaria, South Tyrol)
Email. s.stranek@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 92 78 10
Thomas Stadlober
Sales, Technical Consulting / Quotes (Styria, Vienna, Lower Austria, Carinthia, Slovenia)
Email. t.stadlober@htr.at
Phone: +43 (0) 664 / 88 64 15 06
Why Hardening in the AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY?
Improving Material Strength: Hardening processes can improve the strength of metals, which is particularly important for manufacturing parts that can withstand the stresses of automotive operation, such as engine components, transmission parts, and chassis components.
Increased wear resistance: Processes such as nitriding improve the wear resistance of metal components, which extends their service life and reduces maintenance costs.
Improved Safety: Heat treatment enables the production of components with improved mechanical properties, which enhances vehicle safety. This applies in particular to parts such as brakes, steering systems, and crash protection systems.
Weight Reduction: Materials can be used more efficiently, which helps reduce the weight of vehicles. This can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact.
Improved Precision: Hardening enables the production of high-precision components that meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry. This is particularly important for parts with tight tolerances, such as transmission components.
Improved corrosion resistance: Materials can be protected from corrosion, which extends their service life in demanding environments, including salty road conditions.
Improved fatigue strength: Hardening processes can improve the fatigue strength of materials, which is important for ensuring that vehicle components maintain their performance even under repeated stress.
Optimization of Heat Treatment: Hardening allows for precise control of the microstructure of materials, resulting in optimized heat treatment. This is important for the production of parts that are both high-strength and ductile.
Improved lubrication properties: Surfaces can be modified to exhibit improved lubrication properties, which reduces friction and wear on moving parts.
Cost-Effectiveness and Competitiveness: This application enables automakers to produce high-quality, durable vehicle components, which helps increase customer satisfaction, reduce warranty costs, and improve competitiveness in the market.
Hardening
Hardening is a process used to increase the hardness and strength of metals, such as steel. Most materials consist of various crystal lattice structures, each with different properties. Hardening is a process in which these structures are altered to achieve the desired properties.
Nitriding
Nitriding is a thermochemical process in which nitrogen diffuses into the surface of a metal workpiece to improve its mechanical and physical properties. The process is typically carried out at elevated temperatures in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
Deep freezing
During deep-freezing, the steel is cooled to a temperature of -70°C to -150°C after hardening, which causes the retained austenite to be transformed into martensite.