Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for the press hardening of components (2), having at least one furnace (3), having a press (8), which is arranged downstream of the at least one furnace (3), and having a transporting apparatus (4). In order to provide for cycle times which are as short as possible, means (5) for transporting the components (2) are mounted in a moveable manner in the transporting apparatus (4), wherein the means (5) with the components (2) can be moved, along the transporting apparatus (4), through the furnace (3) and into the press (8), wherein the transporting apparatus (4) is continuous between the furnace (3) and the press (8), and wherein the components (2) can be transported from the furnace (3) to the press (8) without being manipulated.