US Patent 7070166 Powdered metal inlay

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for making substantially nonporous powdered metal (P/M) inlays on substrates using hot-isostatic-pressure (HIP). Methods described herein differ from conventional practice in their use of new apparatus for steps including: formation and maintenance of a P/M preform through use of an adjustable sliding element; application of increased pressure to a P/M preform via the adjustable sliding element; and evacuation of space around a P/M preform without the need to totally enclose a P/M preform and its substrate in a can. Certain embodiments provide for leak testing of welded seals prior to HIP, and other embodiments make the use of welded seals unnecessary.