Method and apparatus for surface hardening a component, which consists at least in the region of its surface to be solidified from an intermetallic compound

The invention relates to a method of surface hardening a component (10), in particular an aircraft component, wherein the surface (12) of the component (10), which consists of an intermetallic compound at least in the area of ​​its to be solidified surface (12), with a force is applied, said component (10) where the temperature is adjusted such that ductility of the intermetallic compound at this temperature over a ductility of the intermetallic compound is heated at least in its consisting of the intermetallic compound region to a temperature above the standard temperature temperature, is increased at the standard temperature. The invention further relates to a device (13) for surface hardening a component (10), in particular an aircraft component, with a hardening tool (14), by means of which the surface (12) of the component (10) which, in (at least in the region to be hardened surface 12) consists of an intermetallic compound which can be acted upon with a force, said device (13) comprises a heater (24), by means of which the component (10) at least in its consisting of the intermetallic compound region to a temperature above the standard temperature temperature can be heated, whereby the temperature can be adjusted such that ductility of the intermetallic compound at this temperature over a ...