1. Heat Treatment (Hardening and Tempering):
• First, the stainless steel undergoes a hardening process. This is done by heating the material's surface and then rapidly cooling it, which hardens the structure.
• Subsequently, the material is reheated and slowly cooled through tempering. This process stabilizes internal stresses and microstructure, reduces the risk of cracking, and increases durability.

2. Cold Working (Drawing or Forging):
• Stainless steel can have its mechanical properties improved through cold working, which involves sequential processes of plastic deformation (such as drawing or forging).
• Cold working can harden stainless steel, but the increase in hardness is not as significant as with heat treatment.

3. Surface Coating of the Workpiece:
• Coating the surface of stainless steel with a harder material can increase surface hardness. This is particularly useful in industrial or abrasive applications.

4. Nitrocarburizing:
• This process introduces nitrogen and carbon layers into the surface of stainless steel, increasing surface hardness. It is especially used in applications requiring high surface hardness, such as cutting tools and gear teeth.

5. Vacuum Hardening:
• Vacuum hardening of stainless steel is carried out at high temperatures in a controlled environment. This ensures uniform hardening of the steel. 

The hardening process for stainless steel can vary depending on the type of material, intended use, and desired properties. Before undertaking the process, it is essential to conduct a detailed analysis of the steel's properties and the chosen method. Therefore, the hardening of stainless steel is a professional procedure and should be performed by an experienced specialist.