A method for modifying the mechanical and surface properties of a component. The method involves: (a) removably attaching a component to at least one component support that is located within a vibratory trough of a component treatment apparatus, the at least one component support being a support shaft upon which the component is removably mountable within the vibratory trough; (b) supplying the vibratory trough with treatment media; (c) moving the component support or the vibratory trough so that the component is immersed into the treatment media; (d) vibrating the vibratory trough to provide a substantially uniform surface treatment of the component, the vibratory trough being movable by at least one trough vibrating mechanism whose actuation is controlled by a controller in response to signals received from at least one sensor located on or within the vibratory trough; (e) removing the component from the treatment media; and (f) detaching the component from the component support.