Abstract The workability of aluminium–SiC and Al2O3-reinforced metal matrix composites (APMMCs) prepared by stir-casting, squeeze-casting and powder metallurgy techniques has been studied by using up-set test. Different parameters of APMMC were considered such as type of Al matrix alloy, type of particulate reinforcement and particulate volume fraction and size. The up-set test was conducted on cylindrical specimens with 8 mm diameter and 8 mm height, successively as repeated compressions with intermediate heat treatment (IHT). Generally, the workability index (WI) has been positively affected by decreasing particulate size and volume fraction (Vf). Stir casting resulted in a slightly better workability than that obtained in case of powder metallurgy, while squeeze casting showed promising behavior in the case of composites with high-particulate Vf. The highest workability index (WI), was obtained in case of APMMC with wrought Al matrix and SiC reinforcement. Some rolling experiments were additionally conducted on such composite, where WI estimated was compared to that of the up-set tests.