In terms of the grain refinement mechanism caused by plastic deformation, and surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) was developed for synthesizing a nanostructured surface layer on metallic materials to improve the overall performance and properties. Moreover, the SMAT can accomplish chemical heat treatment at low temperature due to the formation of nanocrystalline. Research progress of surface nanocrystallization on metallic materials by surface mechanical attrition treatment will be describe in terms of basic principle, the workpiece process and chemical heat treatment, etc. Further development and prospects will be solving about the SMAT.