The method of magnetic pulse processing is used in the stamping of sheet metal and tube parts, welding and assembly operations. In powder metallurgy, the method is used for pressing powders, processing sintered powder products and transporting materials in various media. To increase the efficiency of the processing, electromagnetic field formers are used - field shapers that focus the field strength in a narrow working area. In this paper, the basic types of field shapers are considered: electromechanical, electrodynamical and magnetic. Their advantages and disadvantages are pointed out. The results of evaluation of magnetic induction of the inductors using field shapers made of cast bronze and powder materials are presented. Special attention is paid to a research of field shapers made of powder material known as SOMALOY material. The research provides recommendations for selection of parameters of the process of processing materials in a pulsed electromagnetic field and the design of technological devices and tools