Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine mechanical and metallurgical properties of AlTiN coating HSS materials in detail. Design/methodology/approach -In this study, high-speed steel (HSS) parts were processed by the way of machining and were coated with AlTiN on physical vapour deposition (PVD) workbench at approximately 6508C for 4 h. Tensile strength, fatigue strength and hardness tests for AlTiN coated HSS samples were performed. Samples were also analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results were compared with uncoated HSS components. Findings -It was found that an amorphous aluminium-oxide layer emerges on surface of parts by AlTiN coating. This layer prevents further oxide formations. The coating thickness of AlTiN-coated sample is between 1,530 and 1,558 mm. Compared to uncoated HSS, AlTiN coated HSS gives higher performance.Research limitations/implications -It would be interesting to search different coatings for cutting tools. It could be the good idea for future work concentrated wear properties on tool materials using different coatings. Originality/value -This paper provides information on mechanical and metallurgical behaviour of AlTiN coated HSS materials and offers practical help for the researchers and scientists working in the coating area.