A thermode comprising: a shank; a tip; and a transition zone between the shank and the tip, the transition zone configured to provide resistance gradients to improve containment of heat in the tip. The thermode may also include an integrated cooling jet. The shank, tip, transition zone and integrated cooling jet may all be formed from a single workpiece. The thermode may also be formed with a compact mount that is integrated with the shank and that can be combined with a clamping arrangement to provide efficient replacement of the thermode from the clamping arrangement.