Abstract: An improved apparatus for the production of particulate metal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a containment vessel having a sidewall and an endwall, a source of metal external to the vessel, nozzle means carried by the endwall and providing communication between the vessel and the external source of metal, and release means associated with the sidewall to inhibit deposition of the particulate metal on the sidewall.

Abstract: An improved system for the production of particulate metal is disclosed. The system comprises a containment vessel having a sidewall extending to an endwall, a source of metal external to said vessel and nozzle means carried by said endwall, said nozzle means including a central bore and providing communication between said vessel and said external source of metal, the sidewall and endwall cooperating with the nozzle means to seal off the interior of said vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent said source of molten metal. Further, the system comprises a source of atomizing gas flowing through said nozzle means into said vessel and means for redirecting said atomizing gas flowing into said vessel into said central bore to remove deposition in said bore.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the production of particulate metal is disclosed. The apparatus includes a containment vessel having a sidewall and a bottom plate, a source of metal external to the vessel, nozzle means carried by the bottom plate and providing communication between the vessel and the external source of metal, and release means associated with the sidewall to inhibit deposition of the particulate metal on the sidewall.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the production of particulate metal is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a containment vessel having a sidewall extending to a bottom plate, a source of metal external to said vessel and nozzle means carried by said bottom plate, said nozzle means including a central bore and providing communication between said vessel and said external source of metal, the sidewall and bottom plate cooperating with the nozzle means to seal off the interior of said vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent said source of molten metal. Further, the apparatus comprises a source of atomizing gas flowing through said nozzle means into said vessel and means for redirecting said atomizing gas flowing into said vessel into said central bore to remove deposition in said bore.

Abstract: A method is provided for pressing and forging hot metal powder directly in one operation into a high density metal article of a finished worked shape. The method uses a simple shaped, readily deformable container with loose metal powder therein and substantially closed to allow the powder to evolve its own protective atmosphere during preheat while permitting some gases to escape. The powder-filled container is pressed and forged in one operation in a preheated die cavity resulting in a high density article of a homogeneous composition. The invention is also well suited for cladding powder forged articles and producing composite articles from multiple powder alloys. The invention is particularly useful with powders of aluminum and its alloys.