Titanium nitride(TiN) has been synthesized by nitrogen ion irradiation onto the Ti thin film deposited on STD11 and SKH9 tool materials. The effect of irradiation flux and substrate temperature on the formation behavior and mechanical properaties of TiN were investigated through X-ray diffraction analysis, hardness and pin-on-disc wear testings. Nitrogen ion irradiation onto arc evaporated Ti thin film produced TiN of < 200> orientation at elevated temperature and thereby enhancing surface microhardness by 50% at maximum. Wear resistance was also improved by nitrogen irradiation at most process conditions. The enhancement of wear resistance appeared to be more effective for the nitrogen irradiated conditions at room temperature than at elevated temperature.