Method of compacting powder

A method of compacting powder comprising interweldable particles into a solid body by using a shock wave. The shock wave has such an amplitude that interwelding of the particles in the powder is obtained. The shock wave is generated by impact of either a body impacted against the powder or by a capsule containing the powder, which capsule is impacted against a support instead of the body. The velocity at which the body or the capsule is impacted is about 300 to 2000 m/sec. The duration of the compacting pressure following behind the shock wave is determined by the chosen length and the chosen impedance of said body or said capsule and said support. The shock wave is chosen such that it propagates through the powder with a rise time which is shorter than the time necessary for obtaining equalization of the overall temperature. The compacting pressure must be maintained so long that the welds on the surfaces of the powder particles solidify.