A method of bonding two or more metallic components into a single piece. The bonding surfaces of the metallic components are protected from reaction with the environment. A force is applied to the metallic components to push the bonding surfaces together. Simultaneous with applying the force, an electric current is passed through the bonding surfaces to joule heat and weld the bonding surfaces together to form the single piece. The bonding surfaces may be protected by plating with a noble metal, applying a coating, shielding with a noble gas, or placing into a vacuum. A press may be used to apply the force. The force and the electric current may be sufficient to push out metal around the joint of the bonding surfaces, and at least one of the bonding surfaces may be drafted to facilitate pushing out the metal. The electric current may be pulsed to induce electroplasticity.