the invention relates to a novel process for commercial production of bulk functionally graded materials with a per - determined axial , radial , and spherical gradient profiles . the process is based on the reiterated deformation of the layers of variable cross - section thicknesses made of different materials . that allows significant savings of time , energy and materials . metals , ceramics , glasses and polymers in different combinations can be brought together with a continuous or stepwise gradual change from one material to another . the invention can be applied to industrial production of functionally graded materials with different types of gradient profiles , which cannot be produced by the existing technologies and which are sought by many key industries . the mechanical , thermal and optical responses of materials produced by the proposed methods are of considerable interest in optics , optoelectronics , tribology , biomechanics , nanotechnology and high temperature technology .