Abstract: A perform (28) is slip-cast or pressed from a metal compound or a mixture of metal compounds, sintered in air, vacum, or inert gas, and is electrolytically reduced in a bath (20) of molten salt to form a porous metal or alloy product. The alloy is in the form of a solid, porous sponge. In the bath (20) the salt is in contact with a reservoir (26) of molten infiltration material (24). After completion of the electrolytic reduction the porous product is moved into the infiltration material which fills the pores therein, displacing the salt. The infiltrated product is then solidified for further materials processing.