Metal injection molding

A method of producing feed material for use in producing a thixotropic alloy comprising introducing extrusion stock material of a metal alloy or composite into extruding apparatus, heating the stock material to an extrusion temperature therefor, extruding the stock material to form an extruded stock material having a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along a longitudinal axis of said extruded stock material, and severing lengths of the extruded stock material to produce solid pellets of feed material having substantially the same shape and size and having a maximum length to maximum thickness ratio of about 0.8 to 4:1, said pellets having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a side profile selected from the group consisting of a substantially triangular shaped, a substantially trapezoidal side profile, and a semi-trapezoidal side profile, at least one end of said pellet having an angle of slope of about 5-75°.