Abstract: A method and a device for heating a sheet metal blank or a formed sheet metal component above the austenitization temperature for the purpose of quench hardening, wherein the dew point of the furnace atmosphere is set to ?15° C. to 15° C., preferably to ?10° C. to 10° C., in particular for the formation of a loosely adhering oxide skin, for controlling an oxide skin on the sheet metal or component coated with a metallic corrosion protection layer or an uncoated sheet metal or component.

Abstract: There is disclosed methods and apparatus for detecting contamination on cold-formed steel parts prior to subsequent press-hardening in which such contamination may be problematic, and also for detecting contamination on cold-forming machinery that might be transferred to cold-formed steel parts during cold-forming. In some aspects, the disclosure also relates to methods and apparatus for detecting splits or cracks in cold-formed steel parts prior to subsequent press-hardening. The methods and apparatus make use of ultraviolet light to detect contamination or to detect splits or cracks.