Abstract: A powder metallurgy consolidation process in which the unconsolidated metal powder is placed in a sealable mold; the mold is evacuated and sealed; the mold is placed in an open top container larger than the mold; the space between the mold and container is filled with a free flowing refractory powder, preferably minus twenty mesh powder graphite; and the sealed mold and its contents are heated in the container to metal sintering temperatures without special atmospheres.