Powder metallurgy, commonly designated by its initial letters asPM or PM, may be defined as the production of useful artefacts from metal powder without passing through the molten state. This introductory text examines the processes by which these powders are produced, and explores their behaviour in the subsequent consolidation stages. An outline of the sequence of operations following the manufacture of the powder in various forms is then described in the text. There are also selected case studies, details of porous PM components and wrought PM products, and other specialities.