Abstract: A tunnel oven and associated method for the heat treatment of friction elements, and in particular of braking elements such as brake pads is provided. The friction elements are arranged on a resting surface of a conveyor device, are moved between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the tunnel oven, and are heated by irradiation by at least one heating device. The heating device includes a radiating plate made from stainless steel arranged facing the conveyor device and heated by electromagnetic induction by means of at least one inductor arranged facing the radiating plate and spaced apart therefrom on the side opposite to the conveyor device. A cooling air flow for the braking elements between the resting surface and the radiating plate is directed in counterflow to a feeding direction of the conveyor device.