Presented work discusses a complex process of inductive heating and quenching of carbon steel planetary shafts for diesel engine starters. On the measurements base of temperature fi elds on the surface of the planetary shafts by thermographic camera and theoretical knowledge, a mathematical model for temperature conditions determination in the shaft during the entire process of heating and quenching was carried out. On the basis of developed mathematical model a computer program was developed, and used for analyses and induction hardening process optimization of planetary shafts.