Press hardening
Press hardening makes it possible to form ultra-high-strength steel components that are both light and strong enough to meet the most demanding crash safety requirements. AP&T has been a pioneer in this field since 2001, with over 170 complete production lines delivered to manufacturers worldwide. We develop and supply the full production process – presses, furnaces, automation, tooling, and control systems – and stay on as a long-term service partner.
Two decades of press hardening experience
AP&T was one of the first companies in the world to build complete, turnkey production lines for press hardening. Since the first installation in 2001, we have worked closely with OEMs and tier suppliers across the globe, gaining deep knowledge of materials, process parameters, and what it takes to run stable, high-volume production. That experience is also what drives our continued development – from new furnace technology and servo press design to forming strategies for ultra-high-strength steels with high recycled content.
Materials and process expertise
Press hardening involves a precise interaction between heating, forming, and cooling. Getting consistent results requires detailed knowledge of how different steel grades behave under different conditions, including newer materials with recycled content, where dew-point control in the furnace becomes critical. AP&T has built this knowledge through thousands of production hours across a wide range of applications.
Designed for new materials and processes
Press hardening continues to develop, with new steel grades, higher recycled content, and larger integrated components pushing the boundaries of what the process can do. We work closely with material suppliers, universities, and research programs to keep our forming and process knowledge current. When new requirements reach your production, the solutions and the expertise to support them should already be in place.
A track record that speaks for itself
Over 170 press hardening lines installed since 2001, for customers ranging from global OEMs to specialized tier suppliers. Many of these relationships have continued for decades, with repeat orders and joint development work. That continuity says something about how our technology and way of working hold up over time.
Complete production lines – from one responsible partner
The AP&T Press Hardening Line combines industry-leading presses, automation, furnace technology, tooling, and line control into one optimized production system. Designed for maximum productivity, uptime, and energy efficiency, the line delivers consistent part quality, rapid product changeovers, and low lifecycle costs. Optional AP&T TemperBox® technology enables tailored mechanical properties within a single component, supporting lighter, safer, and more efficient vehicle structures.
Built for large and complex, integrated components
As car body design moves toward fewer, larger structural parts, the forming line needs to handle bigger blanks and tighter tolerances. AP&T's press hardening lines are configured for this – including Multi Part Integration™, where multiple parts are combined into a single blank for more efficient production and better material utilization.
Energy and space efficiency
Compact Multi-Layer Furnace systems reduce floor space while keeping energy consumption low. Servo press technology recovers energy during the forming stroke. Together, this adds up to a production line with a smaller footprint and lower operating cost than conventional setups.
Outstanding support that lasts
AP&T takes responsibility beyond delivery. Preventive maintenance, production optimization, training, and performance analysis are carried out by our aftermarket team. Remote diagnostics allows our support engineers to help troubleshoot quickly if needed.
Lines and products for the press hardening application ( 12 )
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AutomationDestackers
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Hydraulic pressesODEN-F
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Hydraulic pressesODEN-FT
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Production linesAP&T® SkyLines
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AutomationStackers
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Tooling productsTooling
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FurnacesMulti-Layer Furnace for press hardening
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AutomationTransfer press hardening
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FurnacesFurnace feeder
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FurnacesTemperBox®
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Production linesPress hardening lines
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Servo pressesAP&T® Servo Press
Explore related case studies
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Xincheng Automotive Industrial CO., LtdSee case studySustained profitable press hardening with availability agreement
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Simwon Co LtdSee case studyNew press-hardening line from AP&T exceeds customer expectations
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voestalpineSee case studyExtensive service agreement maximizes press-hardening line availability
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GEDIASee case studyThe collaboration behind the world’s most advanced press-hardening line
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Fiat Chrysler AutomobilesSee case studyOptimized press hardening lines increase productivity
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Wuxi Wanhua Machinery Co., LtdSee case studyInvestment in the future with press hardening lines from AP&T
