Abstract: The invention is a method for providing an electrically conductive path through a substrate. It is especially useful for electrically connecting together electrically conductive paths (25) on opposite sides of a circuit board (20). The method is characterized by the steps of forming a passage (21) through a substrate (20) that connects to at least one conductive path (25) on each side of the substrate (20), filling the passage (21) with an electrically conductive powder (10), applying pressure with a die (30) to obtain a compacted powder (11) in the passage (21), and then heating the compacted powder (11) to a temperature that increases the conductivity and ductility of the compacted powder (11) and its adhesion to the substrate (20) without adversely affecting the shape or condition of the substrate (20).

Abstract: A process for placing conductive paths on to the surface of a heat softenable substrate by applying a layer of metal powder to the substrate, compacting the powder in a pre-determined pattern by applying a heated die under pressure, and embedding the compacted powder by the continued application of the die at a pressure less than the compacting pressure.