Abstract: Upper sinter cakes could be supported by the stands installed on the pallets and the load of the lower bed was reduced. As a result the permeability of the lower bed was improved and the sintering velocity increased, moreover the produetivity of sintering was boosted. The thermal stress of the stand was simulated during sintering process with ANSYS software. The results revealed that during sintering process the middle of the supporting surface and the middle and upper zone of the narrow surface of the stand were most easily damaged. During discharging, stress concentration occurred at the feet of the stand. When the thickness of the feet was over 40 mm the stand worked safely. The validity of simulation results were proved by the industrial trial of load reduction sintering.