The present disclosure is directed to the fabrication of a highly wear layer either directly upon an article or tool support structure or body, or as a wear resistant insert or element which is subsequently attached to the tool body. The wear material is formed by sintering particulate material using the absorption of microwave energy as a means of heating. The disclosure also encompasses post manufacture annealing, using heating by microwave radiation, of both highly wear resistant inserts and composite articles which consist of a wear resistant layer and a body. The wear resistant material, whether fabricated directly upon an article or fabricated separately and subsequently affixed to an article, provides an abrasive wear surface and greatly increases the life of the article. Microwave sintered wear resistant surfaces for mills, drills, grinders, brakes, bearings, saw blades and other articles and assemblies are disclosed.