Abstract: For fastening electronic components to substrates, a connecting layer having good adhesion and good electrical and thermal conductivity is manufactured by sintering from a metal powder layer. A paste formed of metal powder, such as a silver powder, and of a solvent, is processed into a solvent-free presintered film in a separate process. This film is punched in accordance with a cross-section of the component and is provided for fastening the component. In manufacturing the film, a specific solvent is employed, together with heating up rates of 5.degree. to 30.degree. C./Min and holding times of 0.5 to 5 minutes at a maximum temperature of 300.degree. C. The fastening is carried out at temperature of at least 150.degree. C. and at a minimum mechanical pressure of 30 N/cm.sup.2. The use of a film speeds up the method and enables of sintering at low temperatures and, at the same time, at low mechanical pressure.