A process for manufacturing a PCM device comprises forming a dielectric, producing a via in the dielectric starting at an area on the surface of the dielectric by forming a via opening in the area and extending the opening into the dielectric toward and then terminating at an electrode comprising a first electrode in the dielectric. We form a spacer layer contiguous with the side walls of the via and fill the via with a PCM. We then remove the surface of the dielectric to leave a PCM cusp at the opening of the via, cap the PCM cusp with a low density capping film; densify the PCM and capping film to obtain a high density capping film that exerts compressive pressure on the high density PCM in a direction toward the first electrode to enhance electrical contact between the PCM and the first electrode.