Process for making improved net shape or near net shape metal parts

The process for producing net shape or near net shape metal parts is improved by sintering a compact in a reducing atmosphere where the compact contains a metal and chemically-bound oxygen in the form of a metal oxide, for example, and the chemically-bound oxygen is in an amount sufficient to improve the sintering of the compact. Improved sintering is facilitated when the metal oxide forms a metal/metal oxide eutectic during reduction of the chemically-bound oxygen in a reducing atmosphere during the sintering process. The compact can contain a metal oxide and a solution compound to produce an alloy part, provided the chemically-bound oxygen is present in an amount sufficient to improve sintering. In a preferred embodiment, the compact also contains a reinforcement compound and is sintered to make a metal matrix composite. The resultant density of the near net shape metal parts made by the improved sintering process is preferably about 97% or more of the theoretical density.