Abstract: An improved method for the production of particulate metal utilizes a containment vessel having a cylindrical shell and an bottomplate, a source of metal external to the vessel, nozzle means carried by the bottomplate and providing communication between the vessel and the external source of metal, gas ingress port spaced from the bottomplate and an exit port, means provided downstream of the vessel for collecting the metal particles swept from the vessel, and aspirating means for drawing collecting gases into the vessel through the ingress port and for carrying the particulate metal from the vessel to the collecting means.

Abstract: A method of making metal flake comprises feeding metal particles, lubricant and gas to a vibratory mill, milling the metal particles to form metal flake and removing the metal flake from the mill. In addition, the method comprises removing the gas from the mill at a rate substantially commensurate with its feed rate.

Abstract: Metal flake is formed by charging metal particles, liquid and milling material to a ball mill. Metal flake formed, liquid and milling material are removed from the mill at a rate commensurate with the charging rate. The flake is then separated from the milling material.