ABSTRACT
Pressing is accomplished by placing the powder (premixed with suitable binders and lubricants and preconsolidated so that it is free-flowing) into a die and applying pressure to achieve compaction. Two categories of pressing are commonly used: (1) uniaxial and (2) isostatic. Both use powder prepared by the same procedures. Therefore, we shall discuss the procedures and the nature of the binder systems first, followed by a review of the pressing techniques. The types of problems that can be encountered in pressing and the evidence that an end-user can detect in the part will be emphasized. If the end-user can spot problems, he or she is in a better position to work with the supplier to solve the problems.
