After passing metallurgical inspection, SSM feedstock is cut to the desired shot weight (slugs) using high-speed band saws that ensure production repeatability. Each slug is heated on a carousel indexing table, raising the slug temperature to the SSM processing range. This process control provides a slug at the final stage prior to forming with a consistent liquid/solid fraction and predictable viscosity. This state is ideal to fill the die cavity with a non-turbulent material front, eliminating entrapped air and preventing part porosity as in the test plates above. The viscous slug retains its shape until shear force from the hydraulic press is applied. The real-time controlled, closed-loop press follows an optimum SSM pressure/velocity curve during the forming cycle, yielding complex near net shape parts.