The segment of heat treatment concerns the modification of material properties through the controlled application of heat. This process involves heating and cooling to alter the crystalline structure of materials, reduce internal stress and improve mechanical properties. In addition, it can be used to modify the surface and thermal properties of materials.

Common processes include heating, hardening, tempering, normalizing, annealing and solution heat treatment. The heat treatment industry is essential in the production of automotive components, tools, machinery parts, electronic equipment and aerospace parts.