Abstract: A method for making a bonded metal piece, including (a) obtaining a first piece of stock metal comprising a first surface and a second piece of the stock metal comprising a second surface; (b) smoothing the first surface so as to form a first contact surface and smoothing the second surface so as to form a second contact surface; (c) cleaning the first contact surface and the second contact surface; (d) loading the first piece and the second piece into a furnace; and (e) bonding the first piece to the second piece so as to form a bonded metal piece comprising the first contact surface diffusion bonded to the second contact surface. The bonding includes (i) heating the first piece and the second piece to a temperature below a superplastic forming temperature of the stock metal; and (ii) applying a pressure comprising pressing the first contact surface and the second contact surface together while the first piece and the second piece are at the temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a die for forming a part. The die comprises a base, comprising a heat-platen interface surface and a part interface surface, and wherein the heat-platen interface surface and the part interface surface are separated by a thickness of the base. The die also comprises inserts, embedded within and circumferentially closed by the base, spaced apart from each other, and extending in a first direction from the heat-platen interface surface toward the part interface surface. The base is made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity. The inserts are made of a second material having a second thermal conductivity. The first thermal conductivity is different than the second thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a die for forming a part. The die comprises a base, comprising a heat-platen interface surface and a part interface surface, and wherein the heat-platen interface surface and the part interface surface are separated by a thickness of the base. The die also comprises inserts, embedded within and circumferentially closed by the base, spaced apart from each other, and extending in a first direction from the heat-platen interface surface toward the part interface surface. The base is made of a first material having a first thermal conductivity. The inserts are made of a second material having a second thermal conductivity. The first thermal conductivity is different than the second thermal conductivity.