Abstract: A stream of molten material free falls through a drop tube and impinges on a chill surface adjacent the bottom of the drop tube to form rapidly solidified particulate. The chill surface is so inclined and moved relative to the stream of molten material as to have an upward component of motion counter to the downward direction of fall of the stream to significantly enhance shearing and rapid quenching of molten material striking the chill surface. The resulting solidified particulate is discharged from the chill surface for collection in a particulate collection chamber beneath the chill surface. Production quantities of rapidly solidified particulate can be continuously made.