Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for use in a process for sintering a metal injection molded body where the body comprises a material and having a first end, a second end, and a flowpath extending therebetween, the flowpath having a diameter. The tool assembly comprises an insert and an endcap. The insert is configured to be disposed in the body flowpath and has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, a channel, a slot having a width, an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The endcap is configured to be inserted at least partially into the channel at the insert first end when the slot width is increased, and at least a portion of the endcap has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or larger than the insert inner diameter.

Abstract: Improved drying, binder evaporation, and sintering processes which may be used in conjunction with specialized sintering tools to provide for the geometrically stable sintering of large, complex, metal injection molded preform parts or flowbodies. The improved process includes a three-stage drying process, a single stage binder evaporation process, and a two-stage sintering process.