22MnB5 is one of the most typical hot stamping boron steels. In order to study the effect of austenitizing temperature and holding time on the mechanical properties of hot stamping boron steel 22MnB5, a series of quenching process are done. The tensile strength and hardness of 22MnB5 samples are measured. The results show that 22MnB5 has a good quenching performance, and the tensile strength and hardness of samples quenched in a water-cooled steel die are similar to those of water quenching. The higher tensile strength and HRC hardness are achieved when austenitizing at temperatures of 880-910 °C. Holding at 910 °C for 5 min and then quenching gives rise to a better combination of tensile strength, hardness and ductility. © 2011 Shanghai Jiaotong University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.