a method of curing a polymeric binder onto a powdered metal after such polymer has been coated on the powdered metal but before a part is therefrom molded , thereby forming a polymer matrix - powdered metal composite material . the polymer - coated powdered metal may be cured by retaining the polymer - coated powdered metal in a fluidized bed contained within a fluidized bath even after the coating process has terminated . the temperature of the fluidized bath may then be raised , in turn raising the temperature of the fluidized bed , thereby curing the polymer onto the coated powdered metal in situ . by keeping the polymer - coated power metal in constant motion during the curing process , the polymer - coated powdered metal particles do not agglomerate nor otherwise adhere to other coated powdered metal particles .