A method of making a method of making a stent includes forming a precursor stent using micro-cladding. The precursor stent includes a plurality of bands made of a first material disposed adjacent to each other and a plurality of connectors connecting each band to an adjacent band. The precursor stent includes a plurality of first connectors configured to remain and a plurality of second connectors made by functionally grading the first material with a second material to create embrittlement. The plurality of second connectors are configured to be removed. The precursor stent is processed to remove the plurality of second connectors without adversely affecting the bands and the plurality of first connectors. The second material may be a radiopaque material.
