This work presents the results of plasma electrolytic hardening of steel 20Cr2Ni4A. The optimal electrolyte composition for electrolytic-plasma hardening of steels containing 20 % sodium carbonate and 20 % urea has been determined. As a result, a modified layer was obtained on the surface of steel with increased hardness and wear resistance. In this case, the basis of the material does not change, it consists of a ferritic-pearlitic structure, i.e. the part retains its viscous core, and the surface layer contains carbide particles. The presence of carbide particles in the surface layers has a positive effect on the performance properties of the parts, since small carbides keep the products from abrasion.