One interesting technique that I witnessed once, was a hobbyist jewellery maker plying his craft. He had a cute little roller mill, with 2 rolls about 2" diameter and 4" long. He sandwiched a tree leaf between two pieces of brass sheet, and rolled it through the mill with a hand crank. I figured nothing would happen, but actually, all the veins and outlines of the leaf were very distinctly embossed in the brass, kind of like a fossil in a rock. I was amazed.
The mill applied sufficient force to actually decrease the thickness of the stock in this process.
It might be something that you could adapt into a process for your needs.
First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)