According to the present invention, a method is provided for forming a channel (56) comprising: provision of a preform (20) with a recess (22) formed therein; heating of a channel forming element (30') to a temperature above a melting temperature of one material of the preform (20), wherein an outer contour of the channel forming element (30') at least in certain portions corresponds to an internal contour of the channel (56) to be formed; and movement of the heated channel forming element and/or the preform (20) relative to one another so that the heated channel forming element (56) at least in certain portions moves into the recess (22) in a penetrating direction. The material of the preform (20) is at least partially melted in a region around the recess (20) and is at least partially pushed to one side by the channel forming element (30'), forming at least a part of the channel (56) to be formed in this manner.