Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus to hot triaxially compact powder. The apparatus includes a device for hydrostatically stressing the powder. The apparatus also includes a device for applying a shear stress to the powder simultaneously with the hydrostatic stress. Additionally, there is a device for heating the powder while the powder is hydrostatically in shear stress. The presence of the shear stress during the compaction of the powder has three primary effects. It can increase the final density and the densification rate of the compacted powder. It can cause microstructural changes in the compacted powder, and it can disrupt heterogeneities.