Abstract: In order to fabricate the TiCN-based cermet with better comprehensive mechanical properties, the effects of the sintering temperature on hte microstructure and mechanical properties of TiCN-HfN cermet were investigated. And a model of a coexisted microstructure of particle dispersion and core-rim structure was built for this cermet. Meanwhile, the densification, hardened, toughened and strengthened mechanisms were disclosed. The results show that the TiCN-HfN cermet fabricated at 1 500℃ has this coexisted microstructure and better comprehensive mechanical properties. The dispersed particle is HfN, the core consists of TiCN, and the rim is mainly composed of (Ti,Hf,Mo)CN solid solution. The relative density, hardness, flexural strength and fracture toughness of this cermet are 99.7%, 20.6 GPa, 1 682.5 MPa, 8.5 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. This cermet completes densification by particles and metal liquid that filled in the sintering necks in the cermet. This cermet is hardened by its densification and particle pinning effect, and is toughened by particle dispersion and particle pinning effect, and is strengthened by the formed skeleton structure and particle pinning effect.