A new method for producing bulk fine-grained materials proposed in this study is named cross-channel extrusion (CCE) process. The deformation characteristics of the CCE process are demonstrated by a depicted Sn specimen and A356 aluminum alloy. Based on the observations of microstructures and measurements of microhardness of A356 samples, the I-pass sample was deformed by shearing stress or pressed in the opposite direction except the by-punch area. However, when the number of extrusion passes is increased to 10, the whole area of A356 sample can be well deformed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.