Method for electroconsolidation of a preformed particulate workpiece

An improved method of consolidating a workpiece preformed from particulate, powdered, sintered, fibrous, spongiose, or other solid containing material capable of consolidation, said method including the steps of:

• providing at a temperature insufficient to effectuate any substantial consolidation of the workpiece a bed comprising a bed material of electrically conductive, flowable particles within a contained zone;
• positioning the preformed workpiece in the bed;
• applying a first pressure to the bed material for sufficient compaction to the bed material to provide suitable electrical contact of such bed material;
• thereafter applying electrical energy to said electrically conductive, flowable particles within the bed while the bed contains the workpiece, and in sufficient amount to heat the bed to the consolidation temperature for the workpiece, substantially all of the heat for consolidation provided to the bed while the preformed workpiece is positioned therein;
• applying a second pressure to such bed of electrically conductive, flowable particles to transmit a compressive force to the workpiece sufficient effectuate substantial consolidation of the workpiece;
• and
• purging the bed with an inert gas at least during the application of electrical energy to such bed.