Can broach tools cut hardened parts?

Uncoated broach tools made of a premium high speed steel grade can usually cut parts that have a hardness less than or equal to 32 HRC. It is possible to cut parts that are 38 to 42 HRC in hardness with a combination of premium high speed steel and advanced PVD coatings. Parts that have a hardness of 42 to 62 HRC require a high speed carbide broach tool specially designed for a hard broaching application. Often, a high speed carbide broaching tool requires the parts to be broached undersize with a high speed steel tool before the heat treatment process, to remove the majority of material from the part.