Dear Reader,

Europe’s industrial heart beats strongly in heat treatment—but the challenges are intensifying. Rising energy costs, carbon reduction pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping the competitive landscape. As Dr.-Ing. Timo Würz reminds us in his editorial, innovation and cross-border collaboration are not luxuries, but strategic imperatives. Only through joint efforts—linking research, industry, and policy—can Europe secure technological sovereignty and remain a global leader in sustainable production.

This issue of heat processing highlights the transformative power of innovation across the industry. Our exclusive interview with Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group, examines how digitalization, AI-driven knowledge management, and electrification are paving the way for an industrial renaissance. We also present a conversation with SMS group and NEOVAC, who introduce a groundbreaking vacuum coating process that sets new benchmarks for ultra-high-strength steels.

Hydrogen combustion, non-destructive hardness testing, and premium tool steels illustrate how research and application continue to drive progress. Meanwhile, advances like IMS’s electromagnetic strip flatness measurement system show how precision and digital intelligence are reshaping industrial practice.

In “American Insights,” we turn the spotlight on induction equipment longevity and next-generation casting machinery—perspectives that enrich the global dialogue on thermal processing.

Looking ahead, the industry faces critical questions: how to balance energy transition with competitiveness, how to leverage digitalization to preserve knowledge, and how to rethink services as strategic offerings. The voices in this issue provide not only answers, but also impulses for action.

We hope these perspectives inspire you to explore new pathways—whether in technology, collaboration, or strategy.

Wishing you a thought-provoking and forward-looking read!