Microstructural characterization during the hot deformation of 1.17C-11.3Cr-1.48V-2.24W-1.35Mo ledeburitic tool steel

► Procedure for determining of optimal soaking temperature is given. ► Apparent activation energies for three temperature and strain rate ranges are given. ► And Q at lower T and are increased due to higher amount of secondary carbides. ► Optimal fraction of dissolved carbides prior deformation increases hot workability.