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In order to understand the densification kinetics of a Ti(C 0.7 N 0.3)-WC-Mo 2 C–NbC-(Co, Ni) compact, the linear shrinkages were measured using a horizontal dilatometer at different heating rates (2, 4, and 6 °C/min) in an argon atmosphere. Densification is more efficient when it is sintered at a lower heating rate. A master sintering curve was constructed over a range from the relative density of approximately 0.658–0.816; the corresponding sintering activation energy was 630 kJ/mol. With the aid of an Arrhenius curve, the sintering behaviour of cermet was analysed at different temperatures. The sintering process changed from solid-phase to liquid-phase sintering at approximately 1385 °C. The sintering activation energy turned negative when the temperature exceeded 1385 °C at a heating rate of 2 °C/min due to the formation of a liquid phase, and the exothermic process of dissolution-precipitation. • Compact densification is more efficient when sintering at lower heating rates. • A master sintering curve can be constructed for a combination of powders. • Arrhenius curve shows that the sintering of cermets is a complex process. • Sintering process changes from solid-to liquid-phase at ∼1385 °C. • Activation energy drops above 1385 °C due to liquid phase/dissolution-precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]