Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidizing crushed, pulverized, comminuted powdered or other particulate solids, with or without added liquid, that will not flow readily under gravity, to enable this material to flow through an aperture either as an extrusion or to cause it to conform precisely to the shape of a mold, including inserting the material into the top of a hopper having an aperture at its base through which the material is discharged under gravity to a surface or into a mold, subjecting the material while in the hopper to one or more vibrators arranged to effect vibration of said material in the intended direction of flow through the hopper to cause the material to flow freely through the hopper, and effecting relative movement between the hopper and the surface or mold to effect the withdrawal of the material discharged from the hopper.