Gradient tool system for composite parts

A gradient tool for forming a part, the gradient tool comprising:

• a first tool component comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the first tool component comprises a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), wherein the second surface of the first tool component comprises a second material having a second CTE, wherein the first CTE of the first material is different than the second CTE of the second material, and wherein the first material comprises an aluminum-nickel alloy and the second material comprises aluminum;
• and
• a second tool component comprising a first surface, wherein the first surface of the second tool component comprises a third material having a third CTE, wherein the first tool component is removably coupled to the second tool component, and wherein the third CTE of the third material of the first surface of the second tool component is substantially equal to the second CTE of the second material of the second surface of the first tool component.