Forging hot metal powder in single operation - to form finished article, using shaped, readily deformable container

Aluminium metal powder is forged in a readily deformable metal container having a general shape of the article to be formed. The powder is heated to >=600 degrees F to facilitate metallurgical bonding of the powder during the plastic deformation. A cover is placed over the open end of the container so as to contain the powder and permit escape of gases evolved from the heating of the powder. The container and powder are fored to a density of >=99% by compressing between dies having provision for escape of excess metal. Method is for cladding of powder forged articles and prodn. of composite articles from multiple powder alloys. The provision of the cover permits the powder to evolve its own protective atmosphere during preheat while allowing some gases to escape. The requirement of complex multi-action tools and intricately shaped containers is eliminated and the finished products have improved mechanical properties of conventionally forged powder metal parts.