Abstract: The invention comprises a method for densifying powders utilizing a pair of opposed gas-permeable belts arranged to either side of a common axis so as to define a generally convergent densifying zone between their adjacent faces. The belts are supported spanwise by a plurality of opposed spaced apart support rolls, each opposed pair of rolls defining a densifying station therebetween. The gas-permeable belts are driven toward the convergent end of the densing zone at substantially equal speeds while powder material to be densified is fed into the divergent end of the densifying zone at a rate sufficient to maintain a substantially complete fill thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein powder densifying apparatus comprising a pair of opposed gas-permeable belts arranged to either side of a common axis so as to define a generally convergent densifying zone between their adjacent faces. The belts are multiply supported spanwise by a plurality of opposed spaced apart support rolls, each opposed pair of rolls defining a densifying station therebetween. The gas-permeable belts are driven toward the convergent end of the densifying zone at substantially equal speeds while powder material to be densified is fed into the divergent end of the densifying zone at a rate sufficient to maintain a substantially complete fill thereof.