Method and apparatus for hardening a component or semi-finished product

A method for hardening a component formed from a steel workpiece that has been shaped in a shaping tool, the method comprising:

• introducing the component into a receiving region of a hardening tool;
• closing the hardening tool around the component so as to surround the component in a form-fitting manner and maintain a substantially constant distance between the component and at least one induction coil integrated into the hardening tool;
• heating the component inductively by the at least one induction coil;
• and
• cooling the component.

A hardening tool for hardening a component formed from a steel workpiece that has been shaped in a shaping tool, the hardening tool comprising:

• a receiving region for receiving the component;
• and
• at least one induction coil for heating the component to be received in the receiving region,
• wherein the receiving region is configured to close around the component so as to surround the component in a form-fitting manner such that a substantially constant distance is maintained between the component and the at least one induction coil when the receiving region heats the component.

A system for forming and hardening a steel workpiece, the system comprising:

• a forming tool for forming the steel workpiece into a component by way of U-O forming;
• and
• a hardening tool comprising:
• a receiving region for receiving the component;
• and
• at least one induction coil for heating the component to be received in the receiving region, wherein the receiving region is configured to close around the component so as to surround the component in a form-fitting manner such that a substantially constant distance is maintained between the component and the at least one induction coil when the receiving region heats the component.