RUBIG

Heat Treatment
of Steel

no compromises

Hardness, strength, elasticity

The interplay of these mechanical properties makes every steel unique. By using RUBIG heat treatments, you can improve and control these properties. treatment can also be used to remove stresses in the steel and improve its weldability and corrosion resistance.

Whether hardening, nitriding or annealing: Choose from the different processes. Our experts will be happy to advise you.

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What is meant by heat treatment and hardening technology?

Heat treatment refers to the controlled heating, soaking, and cooling of steel in order to influence its microstructure and properties in a targeted way. Hardening technology is the sub-discipline focused specifically on increasing hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength.

Typical target values in hardening technology:

Increasing surface hardness
Improving wear and fatigue resistance
Combining a hard case with a tough core
Reducing residual stresses
Increasing dimensional and shape stability

These properties are crucial for components used in mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, toolmaking, and medical technology.

Heat Treatment & Hardening of Steel – Precision and Performance with RUBIG

The key to component performance

Precisely controlled thermal and thermochemical processes are used to tailor the mechanical properties of steel. The goal is to make components more resistant, durable, and capable of withstanding higher loads—specifically matched to their later application.

RUBIG is among the leading providers in hardening technology and heat treatment. With decades of experience, proprietary patented processes, and state-of-the-art plant technology, RUBIG delivers solutions for the highest industrial requirements—from single parts to high-volume series production.

HEat TReatment Procedure

Case hardening

Hard surface, tough core

In case hardening, the steel is first carburized and then hardened. This classic hardening process produces an extremely wear-resistant case while maintaining a tough core.

Typical applications:

Gears
Shafts
Transmission components

RUBIG implements case hardening with R.CARB+ , a highly precise and energy-efficient process.

Learn more about case hardening

Vacuum hardening

Precise and low-distortion

Vacuum hardening is one of the highest-quality processes in modern hardening technology. Heat treatment takes place under vacuum, preventing oxidation and decarburization.

Advantages of vacuum hardening:

Clean, bright metallic surfaces
Very low dimensional change
High reproducibility
Ideal for complex, high-precision components

Here, RUBIG relies on its proprietary R.VAC+ technology, designed to deliver maximum process reliability.

Learn more about vacuum hardening

Annealing

Annealing processes

In addition to classic hardening technology, annealing processes are an important part of steel heat treatment:

Stress relief annealing
Soft annealing
Normalizing

Learn more about annealing

Gas nitriding

Wear-resistant and corrosion-protective (R.NIT+)

In gas nitriding, nitrogen is introduced into the steel surface, forming a diffusion layer and a compound layer. The key benefit is high wear resistance while maintaining good dimensional accuracy. RUBIG offers gas nitriding as a premium heat treatment under the name R.NIT+ .

Options and variants (depending on requirements):

• Nitrocarburizing (additional enrichment of the surface with carbon)
• Post-oxidation for added corrosion protection and optimized friction/sliding properties (e.g., GASOX )

Learn more about gas nitriding

Plasma nitriding

Minimal dimensional change (PLASNIT)

Plasma nitriding is a nitriding technology that is particularly low in distortion. RUBIG offers plasma nitriding under the brand name PLASNIT , with highly variable process control to optimally match material, component geometry, and target properties.
Special treatments:

• PLASOX : plasma nitriding followed by oxidation
• PLAPOL: an exceptionally hard, wear-resistant surface (ideal, for example, for tool steels)

Learn more about plasma nitriding

Laser

Laser hardening

For localized hardening, RUBIG uses advanced laser hardening technology. Only defined areas of the component are hardened—ideal for functional surfaces.
Advantages:

• Low thermal load on the overall component
• High precision
• Short process times

Learn more about laser hardening

Professional hardening technology matters

Properly executed heat treatment has a decisive impact on:

The service life of a component
Functional reliability in continuous operation
Cost-effectiveness across the entire product life cycle

Wrong process selection or insufficient process control often leads to distortion, cracking, or inadequate hardness. RUBIG addresses these risks with deep materials-engineering know-how, precise process control, and comprehensive consulting.

Which hardening process is the right one?

Choosing the right process depends on several factors:

Material composition
Geometry and component size
Required hardness and toughness
Dimensional accuracy requirements
Economic constraints

RUBIG supports customers from material analysis through production release and develops tailored heat treatment and hardening concepts.

Hardening technology for different industries

Automotive industry

Gears, drive shafts, components for e-mobility
High fatigue strength and dimensional accuracy

Mechanical engineering and plant construction

Highly loaded functional parts
High fatigue strength and wear protection

Tool and mold making

Maximum surface hardness
Minimal distortion

Medical and precision engineering

Reproducible quality
Documented processes and certifications

Quality, certifications, and process reliability

RUBIG works to the strictest quality standards. All heat treatment and hardening processes are documented, traceable, and aligned with industrial standards. State-of-the-art testing and measurement technology ensures that every component meets the required specifications precisely.

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RUBIG as your partner for hardening technology & heat treatment

In addition, RUBIG offers seminars and training. In hands-on courses, RUBIG provides in-depth expertise in materials science, process selection, error prevention, and quality assurance. These seminars are aimed at design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and decision-makers who want to better understand, evaluate, or implement heat treatment processes themselves.

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