Abstract: The disclosed invention consists of a composite mold for consolidating and conforming particulate solids into a compressed, shape-retaining mass. The mold comprises a matched pair of generally half sections, or assemblies thereof, provided with obliquely directed aligning keys whereby one half-section of the mold can recede from adjoining contact with the other in a generally oblique direction to extend the die cavity in two dimensions and thereby freely release the molded product intact, and then return to its initial position adjoining its counterpart half section for the next molding cycle. The mold construction of this invention is of particular utility in the molding of particulate inorganic magnetizable materials in the manufacture of permanent magnets of precise dimensions.