Abstract: This paper states the fundamental principle of electron beam surface alloying and the development of electron beam alloying equipment,introduces the application of high current pulsed electron beam as a new method in research,summarizes the development trend of research on electron beam surface alloying in recent years,and gives a sketch of main research achievements and progress at home and abroad. Controlling alloy layer quantitatively, thermo-mechanical coupling of electron beam,surface layer defect prevention and control,surface layer and advanced technology of electron beam welding will become the hot topics in future research. Electron beam surface alloying as a highly superior method of high energy density beams surface modification will play an important role.