Abstract: Firstly, the 12Cr13 steel forgings were pre-heated under different processes, and the microstructure and hardness after pre-heat treatment were analyzed. Then, the final heat treatment was carried out to the pre-heated samples, and the pre-heat treatment process parameters of the 12Cr13 steel were optimized. The results show that the hardness of the steel after 790 ℃×2 h normalization treatment was suitable for machining, and the mechanical properties of the steel after final heat treatment met the design requirements. Adopting this pre-heat treatment process to treat 12Cr13 steel forgings could save energy and increase production efficiency.