82nd HeatTreatmentCongress (HK) - 31st IFHTSE World Congress - ECHT - Steel Innovation 2026

AWT invites to Cologne

Welcome to the 82nd Heat Treatment Congress, the 31st IFHTSE World Congress, the European Conference on Heat Treatment and Steel Innovation 2026! This year’s event offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas on the latest research findings and product developments in heat treatment, surface engineering and steel research. Gain a competitive edge in knowledge and build new professional connections by interacting with experts from around the world!

Students and trainees get free admission to congress and exhibition. Take advantage of this opportunity!

Everybody who misses the deadline for announcement of lectures is invited to present a poster at the poster award. Deadline for the announcementAugust, 15, 2026! More information here.

The conference Steel Innovation is organized in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Materialkunde e. V. and Stahlinsitut VDEh.

Cross global industry highlight!

Alongside the congress, the international exhibition and trade fair will once again be a central highlight of the event. Around 150 exhibitors from all over the world are expected to present innovative equipment, services, operating materials and technologies for the heat treatment and surface engineering industries. The exhibition offers companies an outstanding opportunity to showcase their solutions, strengthen their international visibility, and connect directly with experts, researchers, and decision-makers from industry. Companies interested in presenting their products and services can still secure an exhibition stand and become part of this major international industry meeting.

Topics

HeatTreatmentCongress, IFHTSE-World Congress, ECHT 2026

Thermochemical Heat Treatment - New developments and applications
Sustainability - Concepts and Applications
AI and Digitalization
Simulation and Modelling
Quenching and Distortion
Furnace Technology
Additive Manufacturing
Laser Treatment
Aluminum & Light Alloys
Surface Engineering
Material Analysis and Quality Control
New Materials Development

Steel Innovation

Materials Engineering steel
Digital steel technology
High strength and wear-resistant steels
Sustainable steel - recycling, re-use and re-manufacturing
Corrosion-resistant steels
Hydrogen embrittlement / steel development for the hydrogen economy
Materials testing for steel
Increasing the damage tolerance of steels
New steel concepts for additive manufacturing

Exhibitor List HK/IFHTSE-World Congress/ECHT/Steel Innovation July 2026

Stand booking form exhibition HK/IFHTSE-World Congress/ECHT 2026

Here you can book your hotel room for HK - IFHTSE Word Congress - ECHT and Steel Innovation 2026!

Schedule

Monday, 12 October 2026, 17:00 – 19:00 - AWT membership meeting
Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 9:00–18:00 – congress and exhibition time
Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 9:00–18:00 – congress and exhibition time
Thursday, 15 October 2026, 9:00–15:00 – congress and exhibition time

All tickets for the event are available at the ticket shop linked to this website. Conference and exhibition visits can be booked seperately.