Within this work new concepts for an optimized direct heat treatment after forging are created. The basics of hardening, quenching and hardenability are described. The process parameters and their influence on the microstructure and thus on the mechanical properties of the heat treated forgings are considered. Furthermore finite element simulations are used to calculate the unsteady temperature fields of complex shaped parts including the cooling phase after forging. These numerical results are complemented with experimental results to optimize the heat treatment regarding quench cracking, distortion or insufficient microstructure. The aim of this work is to reduce process costs, as well as to save energy and resources whereby the mechanical-technological properties remain constant. Another essential aim is to continuously improve the quality of the heat treated forgings. Using the numerical tools, new material concepts and process developments can be exploited much faster in a forging shop.