ABSTRACT
The properly sized and preconsolidated powders are ready for forming into the required shapes. Pressing is accomplished by placing the powder into a die and applying pressure to achieve compaction. This chapter discusses the procedures and the nature of the binder systems and reviews of the pressing technique. When most people hear the term casting, they automatically think of metal casting in which a shape is formed by pouring molten metal into a mold. The mold for slip casting must have controlled porosity so that it can remove the fluid from the slip by capillary action. The mold must also be low in cost. The traditional mold material has been plaster. Some newer molds, especially those for pressure casting, are made of a porous plastic material. Plastic forming involves producing shapes from a mixture of powder and additives that are deformable under pressure.
