Abstract: The characteristics of the surface alloying process and the demand of mill guides on the material properties are investigated. It is suggested that using surface alloying process for manufacturing mill guides is feasible.The effects of casting temperature, material constitutes and size of alloy powder on the quality of surface alloyed layer are studied. Test results show that desired surface alloyed layer is expected to be obtained provided suitable casting temperature, alloy powder size and materials are chosen. Trial production use suggests the surface alloyed guide enjoys a service life four times that of the wholy alloyed guide.