Abstract: This invention involves a method for the hot isostatic compaction of particulate material into an article of intricate configuration. It comprises providing a removable pattern in the appropriate precompaction configuration of the article to be produced, coating the pattern with a first layer of conductive material and a second layer of metallic material, the two layers cooperating to provide a self-supporting and gas-impervious shell around the pattern and removing the pattern from the shell to provide a self-supporting and gas-impervious container having an internal configuration corresponding to the precompaction shape of the article to be produced. The container is then filled with particulate material, evacuated and sealed, and isostatically compacted in a pressure vessel at elevated temperature until the particulate material is compacted into a dense article of complex shape. The container is thereafter removed to obtain the compacted article.