Abstract: Electroplastic assisted machining（EAM） is a technique to improve the machining properties of metallic materials by the electroplastic effect. It can solve the problems of poor forming effect, poor quality and low efficiency of materials, therefore, it has important research value. The basic principle of the electroplastic effect was summarized, and the mechanism of Joule thermal effect, magnetostriction effect, skin effect and pure electroplastic effect were introduced. The research progress of electroplastic assisted machining technology in plastic machining, cutting machining, welding and additive manufacturing of metallic materials was reviewed. Finally, the application prospect of electroplastic effect in metal material processing was prospected, and the further research direction of electroplastic assisted machining technology was analyzed.