Effect of Si metal powders addition with the plasma transferred arc(PTA) overlaying process on characteristics of the alloyed layer in aluminum alloy(A5083) has been investigated. The overlaying conditions were 175-250A in plasma arc current, 500mm/min in travel speed, the 5-20g/min in powder feeding rate. Main results obtained are summarized as follows. 1)Sufficient size of molten pool on surface of base metal was required for forming an alloyed layer; in a fixed travel, the formation of alloyed layer with clear and beautiful surface depend upon the plasma arc current and powder feeding rate; the greater plasma arc current and the smaller powder feeding rate were, the better bead was formed. Optimum alloyed conditions by which an excellent alloyed bead obtained was 225A in plasma arc current. PTA process made it possible to form an alloyed layer with up to 67wt% Si. 2)Microstructure in the alloyed layer was in accord with prediction from the Al-Si phase diagram 3)The hardness of the alloyed layer increased in proportion to Si content. 4)As volume fraction of primary Si increased, the specific wearness of the alloyed layer was significantly improved. However, no further improvement was found when the volume fraction was greater than about 30%. 5)Utilizing the PTA process, a crack free alloyed layer with maximum hardness of about Hv 310 could be obtained.