Book excerpt: In Europe, thermoprocessing is the third largest energy consumption sector following traffic and room heating. Its structure is very much diversified and complex. Therefore it is split into a large number of subdivisions, each of them having a high importance for the industrial economy. Accordingly we find the application know-how for the design and the execution of respective equipment represented by a multitude of small but very specialized and significant companies and their experts. As a result there was only little chance to find a comprehensive survey of the practical side of this technology so far. This gap is now filled by the new "Handbook of Thermoprocessing Technologies" based on the contributions of many highly experienced, outstanding engineers working in this field. The main intention of this book is the presentation of practical thermal processing for the improvement of material and parts in industrial application. Additionally, a summary of respective thermal and material science fundamentals is given as well as basic fuel-related and electrical engineering knowledge for this technology and finally design aspects, components and safety requirements for the necessary heating installations are covered. In conclusion, a very wide and competent state of the art description is now available for all manufacturers and users of thermoprocessing equipment. But also specialists from neighbouring fields, students and all those who are generally interested in this important but widely unknown technology will find a quick survey here as well as a very profound expertise.