Metal strip is continuously produced by compacting metal powder to form a green strip, feeding the green strip to a sinter furnace and supporting the strip on a gaseous cushion as it is transported through the furnace, the strip transport being controlled to maintain the tensile stress applied to the strip as it passes through the furnace substantially zero. The strip may be fed through the furnace by means of pinch rolls located at entry to and exit from the furnace, the respective speeds of rotation of the pinch rolls being interrelated to accommodate shrinkage of the strip as it passes through the furnace.