Abstract: Electron beam cladding is a new type of high-energy surface modification technology developed in recent years. By changing the surface structure of metal materials, the performance of metal materials can be improved and defects can be improved. The principle and characteristics of electron beam cladding technology were introduced. The influence of selection of cladding coating material process parameters and powder feeding method on the quality of cladding layer was summarized. The progress made in improving wear resistance, corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance of materials by electron beam cladding technology in china and abroad was summarized and sorted out. Finally, the deficiency of electron beam cladding technology was put forward, and the future development direction and trend were briefly discussed.