HeatTreatmentCongress 2026

The 82nd HeatTreatmentCongress (HK) of AWT combines in 2026 with the 31st IFHTSE World Congress, the European Conference on Heat Treatment (ECHT) and Steel Innovation 2026 at Koelnmesse in Cologne. Researchers and industry exchange the latest findings and product developments in heat treatment, surface engineering and steel research over three days, with English as the conference language and an international exhibition running alongside.

Congress topics

The programme spans materials, processes and equipment.

• Thermochemical heat treatment
• Sustainability
• AI and digitalisation
• Simulation and modelling
• Quenching and distortion
• Furnace technology
• Additive manufacturing
• Laser treatment
• Aluminium and light alloys
• Surface engineering
• Material analysis and quality control
• Steel innovation and high-strength steels

Exhibition

Around 150 exhibitors from around the world are expected to present equipment, services, operating materials and technologies for the heat treatment and surface engineering industries.

Partners

Steel Innovation is organised with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde (DGM) and Stahlinstitut VDEh, and the congress is held together with IFHTSE and European heat treatment associations.

Tickets & passes

• Exhibition day ticket — EUR 60: Ticket shop price incl. 19% VAT (EUR 65 on site)
• Exhibition 3-day ticket — EUR 95: Ticket shop price incl. 19% VAT (EUR 100 on site)
• Congress one day — EUR 524.30: Incl. 7% VAT; congress and exhibition, lunch box, proceedings
• Congress two days — EUR 738.30: Incl. 7% VAT
• Congress complete event (3 days) — EUR 1,059.30: Incl. 7% VAT; includes congress dinner
• Students and trainees — Free: Free admission to congress and exhibition