The Nitrex Die Preheating System safely preheats nitrided aluminum extrusion dies in a protective gas atmosphere, prior to placing them in presses. The key benefit is the properly controlled preheating process that prevents excessive oxidation of the die surface even if it is left in the preheating oven for extended periods of time. Once a die is loaded and its preheating cycle selected, the computer takes over all further operations until the die is ready to be unloaded.