Equipment as follows, and specially designed components therefor: a. Batch mixers with provision for mixing under vacuum in the range of zero to 13.326 kPa and with temperature control capability of the mixing chamber and having all of the following: 1. A total volumetric capacity of 110 litres or more; and b. Continuous mixers with provision for mixing under vacuum in the range of zero to 13.326 kPa and with a temperature control capability of the mixing chamber having any of the following: 1. Two or more mixing/kneading shafts; or 2. A single rotating shaft which oscillates and having kneading teeth/pins on the shaft as well as inside the casing of the mixing chamber; c. Fluid energy mills usable for grinding or milling substances specified in 4.C.; d. Metal powder “production equipment” usable for the “production”, in a controlled environment, of spherical or atomised materials specified in 4.C.2.c., 4.C.2.d. or 4.C.2.e. b. Electroburst equipment usable for obtaining sputtered or spherical metallic powders with organization of the process in an argon-water environment; c. Equipment usable for the “production” of spherical aluminium powders by powdering a melt in an inert medium (e.g. nitrogen).