How are finely divided platinum-group metal powders converted into solid metal?

After the platinum-group metals are recovered as finely divided metallic powders through chemical separation processes, they are converted into a massive, solid form using specific melting techniques.1

The primary methods for consolidation include:

• Electron-beam melting: This technique is used to convert the powders into solid metal form.1
• Induction melting: This method is specifically employed for the lower-melting-point metals in the group, namely palladium and platinum.1

While powder metallurgy is a general industrial process that involves pressing and sintering metal powders to create solid parts, the consolidation of refined platinum-group metals typically relies on these high-temperature melting processes to achieve a dense, massive state.231