Powder metallurgy is a process used to create metal parts from powders. The powder metallurgy process begins with the production of metal powders, which can be produced by a variety of methods such as atomization, chemical reduction, and mechanical grinding. The powders are then mixed with binders and lubricants to improve flowability and formability. The next step is compacting the powders into the desired shape, generally using a die and punch or a press. The compacted powder is then heated to a temperature just below its melting point in order to bond the particles together, a step known as sintering. Additional operations, such as heat treatment, machining, or coating, may be performed to improve the properties of the part or to create a finished product. The final product is inspected for quality and conforms to the specifications, resulting in a metal part that has a high density and is relatively free of voids and porosity, making it strong, durable and consistent in shape and size.