The metal materials play important roles in the area of the industry. So it is meanful to use some technologies to improve the comprehensive properties of the metal materials. Comparing with other methods, the surface nanocrystalline technology can improve the strength, the hardness, the abrasive resistance and the corrosion resistance of the metal materials. Besides, through the surface nanocrystalline technology, the grain of the organization can be refined, and the lifespan of the fatigue can be prolonged. So, the surface nanocrystalline technology is with widely market application prospect. At present, there are many studies about the surface nanocrystalline technology, and many typical technologies have been applicated in the industrial production successfully, which satisfy the high requirement of the modern industry in some extent. In this article, the principle, the preparation method and the research status of the surface nanocrystalline technology are produced, and the prospection are made.