Abstract
High-energy rate powder compaction techniques, like explosive and electromagnetic compaction, may be considered as a tool to produce superconductive ceramics with unique properties. A very great novelty is indicated from the subsequent mechanical processing of the densified high-Tc superconducting ceramics, employed to produce a sound final product. Wires, rods, plates, strips and forged parts with superconducting core and metal sheath can be produced by various techniques, like wire-drawing, extrusion, rolling and forging and subsequent metal removal processing, e.g. machining and grinding. High temperature superconducting materials possess electrical/electronic and magnetic properties of utmost importance, one of which is the high-current carrying capability of superconductors with small cross sections. Thus, they can be used as power transmission cables or other functional elements in synchronous generators, levitated bearings, flywheels, fault current limiters and electrical switchgears for energy storage. An account of the above mentioned deformation processing of bulk superconductors and its applications is given in this report.