described are molds , dies and forming tools comprising : a ) a heat exchanging body support member ; and b ) within the support member , a molding cavity portion formed by thermal spraying metallic particles to a desired configuration in the support member . also described are methods of making a mold , die or forming tool comprising the steps of : a ) providing a body support member having a controlled and designed porosity which permits the enhancement of the heat transfer ability of said mold , die or forming tool ; b ) configuring a surface of the support member to a desired cavity ; and c ) spraying particles to the configured cavity in the support member , thereby producing a mold , die or forming tool . preferably , the materials of construction are metallic and are applied by thermal plasma spraying . the particles may also be ceramics , metal matrix composites , ceramic matrix composites , thermoplastic resins , thermoset resins , and composites based thereupon . the controlled porosity of the body of the mold , die and / or forming tool is as important as the use of thermal spray to subsequently form the cavity .