Transition liquid-phase insert metal bonding of Al2O3 and AISI 304 stainless steel based materials is investigated. This joining technique allows the continuous replenishment of the active solute which is consumed by the chemical reaction that occurs at the ceramic/filler metal interface. Replenishment is facilitated by employing a sandwich of filler materials comprising tin-based filler metal and amorphous Cu50Ti50 or NiCrB interlayers. During Al2O3/AISI 304 stainless steel bonding, the highest shear strength properties are produced using a bonding temperature of 500 degrees C. Thick reaction layers containing defects form at the ceramic/filler material interface when higher bonding temperatures are applied. Bonding at temperatures above 500 degrees C also increases the tensile residual stress generated at the periphery of Al2O3/AISI 304 stainless steel joints. The shear strength of joints produced using NiCrB interlayers markedly increased following heat treatment at 200 degrees C for 1.5 h. Heat treatment had little influence on the shear strength of the joint produced using Cu50Ti50 interlayers.