Abstract: Using a self-made pulse magnetic field heat treatment equipment with low or medium intensi- ty,the tempering process of high speed steel W6Mo5Cr4V2 was investigated.It was found that the secondary hardening process and the transformation of retained austenite for the steel were accelerated by the pulse magnetic field,and the tempering period could be reduced to half of the original.It was shown by the analyses of X-ray and eletron microscopy that the precipitation of carbides becomes more homogeneous and dispersive,and the tetragonality of martensite increases obviousely,which causes the improvement of hardness and red-hardness for the steel.It was confirmed that the service life of tools as centre bits,screw taps and punches for nuts could be increased by 0.4 to 1.4 times by the tempering in magnetic field.

Key words: pulse magnetic field, magnetic heat treatment, magnetic tempering