Patent ID: 7413702

Claim:
A tool assembly for use in a process for sintering a metal injection molded body, the body comprising a material and having a first end, a second end, and a flowpath extending therebetween, the flowpath having a diameter, the tool assembly comprising: an insert configured to be disposed in the body flowpath, the insert having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, a channel, and a slot, the channel extending between the first and second ends, the slot formed between the inner and outer surfaces and extending from the first end at least partially toward the second end, the slot having an adjustable width, the insert having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the insert outer diameter being smaller than the body flowpath diameter, the insert inner and outer diameters each capable of being increased when the slot width is increased; and an endcap configured to be inserted at least partially into the channel at the insert first end when the slot width is increased, at least a portion of the endcap having an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or larger than the insert inner diameter.