Abstract: The main characteristics of PDP technology was briefly introduced. The research status of using this technology to modificate the surface of carbon tool steel, alloy tool steel and high-speed tool steel in recent years was summarized, and the modification mechanism of this technology was explained. After the PDP treatment, a compact modification layer was formed on the material surface. Due to the existence of the modified layer, the surface hardness and wear resistance of tool steels were effectively improved. What’s more, the PDP technology had advantages of environmental protection and high energy utilization rate, therefore, the technology was suitable for modifying tool steel and other kinds of steel to broaden the application field of materials.