Mokumé gane, the traditional Japanese metalworking technique, is the art of diffusion bonding multiple layers of dissimilar alloy sheets into a billet that is then processed and patterned to the desired effect. The current torque plate and bolt technology for creating mokumé gane billets, although effective, has some inherent limitations including the inability to maintain pressure throughout the diffusion bonding process. This paper documents a new thermal expansion mismatch torque plate (TEMPT) system for creating mokumé gane that incorporates multiple innovative features. The paper will also discuss the design of the system and both quantitative and qualitative testing performed while using it.

Author(s): James Binnion, Stewart Grice, Dr. Andrew Nyce