Influence of processing parameters and particle size on the properties of hot work and high speed tool steels by Spark Plasma Sintering

► Near full density is obtained after sintering at 1100 °C for 5min and 60 MPa. ► Maximum densification rate occurs at lower temperature in H13 than M3:2. ► The ferrite-austenite transformation slows down the densification rate. ► Increasing hardness and fracture toughness are obtained by increasing density. ► Good toughness for near full dense SPS samples compared to reference HIP steels.