Abstract: A preformed body (12) from powder material of metallic and nonmetallic compositions and combinations thereof, is consolidated to form a densified compact (12") of a predetermined density. An outer container mass (20), capable of fluidity in response to predetermined forces and temperatures and which is porous to gases at lesser temperatures and forces than said predetermined force and temperature, surrounds an internal medium (22). The internal medium encapsulates the preformed body (12) within the container mass (20) and is capable of melting at the lesser temperatures to form a liquid barrier to gas flow therethrough. The internal medium (22) is capable of rapid hermetic sealing during the early stages of preheat. External pressure is applied by a pot die (16) and ram (14) to the entire exterior of the container mass (20) to cause the predetermined densification of the preformed body (12) by hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A method for hot consolidating powder of metallic and nonmetallic composition to form a densified powder article by forming a container of a material which melts at a combination of temperature and time at that temperature which combination would not adversely affect the desired microstructure and physical properties of the densified powder article and applying heat and pressure to the exterior of the container to compact and densify the powder within the cavity at a temperature below the melting point of the container and thereafter melting the container into molten metal to remove the container from the densified powder article while maintaining the temperature of the article below the incipient melting temperature of the article. Thereafter, the material from the melted container may be recycled to form a new container.