an apparatus for coating and bonding parts in a vacuum includes a floating mount assembly holding one part and applying a bonding load to the parts . a pivoting mount assembly holds one part and is pivoted between a coating position and a bonding position . at least one coating source is provided for depositing a thin film of a metal onto a surface of each of the parts to improve the cold weld between the two parts . a restraining lever controls the application of the bonding load to the parts . the coating and bonding process occurs in a vacuum chamber with a single set - up .