Powder particles are specific in shape and size ranging from 0.1 to 1,000 micrometers. They are not merely ground-chips or scraps of metal. Major methods for making metal powders are atomization of molten metal, reduction of oxides, electrolysis and chemical reduction. New submicron and nanophase powders for cutting tools and other specialized applications. Canadian nickels are made from strip rolled from pure nickel powder.
Iron powder is used as a carrier for toner in electrostatic copying machines.
Americans consume about two million pounds of iron powder annually in iron enriched cereals and bread. Iron powder is also used in hand warmers and waterproof cements. Copper powder is used in anti-fouling paints for boat hulls and in metallic pigmented inks for packaging and printing. Aluminum powder is used in solid fuels for rockets such as the booster rockets for the space shuttle program. Think of 50 compact cars stacked vertically and you have the pressure it takes to press the powder automatically in a mechanical or hydraulic compacting press.