Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and process for the ion change hardening of glassware by passing the glassware through a stream of molten salt. The glassware may be arranged at different levels on a conveying means, provided with perforations to allow the molten salt to fall from level to level from an overhead salt distributor. The glassware may be positioned on a horizontally spinning rack so that molten salt continuously fills up and empties from the glassware. The molten salt is recycled from the bottom of the apparatus and may be replenished by adding salt to the recycle stream.