A new surface modification technology-high current pulsed electron beam treatment method was applied to the surface of die steel to improve its properties. It has been shown that as a result of the HCPEB treatment

the most pronounced changes of the structure-phase state occur in the near-surface layers quenched from the liquid state

where the crystallization front velocity reaches its maximum. In these layers partial or complete dissolving of second phases and formation of over saturated solid solutions and ordered nanosized structures may take place. This makes it possible to improve substantially the electrochemical and strength properties of the surface layers. We found that the thickness of remelt layer is about 10μm

and the sectional microhardness increased accompanied by the enhancement of the wear resistance of the material. After modification

the relative wear resistance of D2 steel have inereased 5.63 times and that of H13 steel increased 11.76 times.