A method comprising forming a shrinking platform of layers of a composite, the composite including a metal particulate filler in a first matrix, forming a shrinking support of layers of the composite upon the shrinking platform, forming a first release layer of a release material upon the shrinking support, the release material including a ceramic particulate and a second matrix, and forming a part of the composite upon the shrinking support to form a portable assembly from the combined shrinking platform, shrinking support, release layer and part, wherein substantially horizontal portions of the part are vertically supported by the shrinking platform, wherein the first release layer is configured, after sintering, to separate the part from the shrinking support and to allow the part to be readily removed from the shrinking support, and wherein the shrinking support is configured to prevent the part from distorting during sintering.