A component includes a base formed of a majority of a first metallic element and a shell adhered to the base. The shell includes an inner portion having an inner surface contacting the base, an outer portion having an outer surface, and an intermediate zone connecting the inner portion to the outer portion. The shell is formed of a multi-element transition material, where the multi-element transition material includes a majority of a second metallic element at the inner surface and a majority of a third metallic element at the outer surface. The intermediate zone includes both the second and third metallic elements. Each of the first, second, and third metallic elements are different from one another. The component may be an automotive shaft. A method of forming the component may include depositing first and second powders on the base to form the inner and outer portions and the intermediate zone.