The paper introduces a method for characterization of silicone rubber and titanium powder in high velocity compaction using the split Hopkinson set-up. The impact test data has been used to estimate parameters in constitutive models for rubber and powder. A finite element study has been performed with different geometrical design of the high velocity compaction of titanium powder against an aluminium mandrel using a rubber mould as pressing medium. One goal of this study is to investigate if and how the manufacturing method can be applied for making dental copings. A conclusion of the experimental work is that it is possible to characterize rubber material and powder material for high velocity compaction of metal powder by the use of a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar set-up. The numerical simulation shows qualitatively good agreement with the experience from practical tests. In conclusion, the work shows the possibility to numerically study the geometric design and to optimize the densification behaviour of a complex high velocity compaction process. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.