In at least one embodiment, a metal blank is provided including a metal sheet having a surface including at least one pair of channels defined therein. Each channel may have a first portion extending from an edge of the blank and a second portion in an interior of the blank. The second portion may be wider than the first portion. The blank may include at least one pair of thermocouple wires, with one wire being attached to each second portion. An adhesive material may be disposed in each second portion. The wires may be attached by welding and the adhesive material may be a metallic composite adhesive. The disclosed blank may be used to calibrate or otherwise assess a process where the blank is being heated or cooled, such as aluminum hot-stamping.