A method includes performing a printing process that deposits a magnetic paste onto a first side and into an opening of a laminate; curing the magnetic paste to form a first transformer core piece having a first portion along the first side and a second portion filling the opening of the laminate; joining a second transformer core piece to a side of the second portion of the first transformer core piece to form a transformer. A transformer includes a laminate; a first core piece; and a second core piece, the first core piece comprising: a cured magnetic paste, a first portion along a side of the laminate, and a second portion filling an opening of the laminate, the second core piece extending along a side of the second portion of the first transformer core piece, and the laminate having windings that encircle the opening.