There is currently great interest in the process of diffusion bonding. The main thrust has been in the joining of advanced materials such as superplastic alloys, metal matrix composites and ceramics and, most importantly, to introduce the process into mass-production operations. Diffusion bonding has also led to reduced manufacturing costs and weight savings in conventional materials and developments in hot isostatic pressing have allowed greater design flexibility. Since the first conference on Diffusion Bonding, held at Cranfield in 1987, considerable advances have been made and it was...