A method of producing a metallic component includes: providing a mixture of a metallic powder and a binder; melting the mixture and forming the mixture into a preform (48) in the shape of the component; remove a majority of the binder from the preform (48); and heating the preform (48) with microwave energy to remove the remainder of the binder and to sinter the metal powder together to form the component. The component may be formed as an individual component or continuously.