Powder compacting apparatus and method

A powder pressing apparatus comprises a die formed with a plurality of cavities. None of the cavities overlap with another in the direction of pushing the compacts. The magnetic field generator includes a pair of yokes sandwiching the die. The yokes and the die have their respective upper surfaces generally in a same plane. A die lubricant is applied to the die but not to a region on which the compacts are to be slid. A rare-earth alloy powder in a feeder box is supplied into each of the cavities. The powder in the cavities is oriented, pressed, and the formed compacts and the yokes are demagnetized. The compacts are pushed and slid off the die on an anti-wear layer, by a flexible pushing member provided in a front portion of the feeder box. The compacts are sintered into rare-earth magnets, which are suitable for a coreless motor.