A method of manufacturing a component. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes enriching an element with an isotope and using the enriched element as a material of the component. A property of the first isotope being the same as a property of a second isotope and is preferably a mechanical, chemical, or electrical property. A second element can also be used as a material of the component, for instance, where the material is an alloy or a composite material. Further, the first isotope can be a lighter isotope of the element. Lightweight components may be manufactured using the method such that mobile platforms (e.g. spacecraft) can be assembled from the component(s). In other exemplary embodiments, the element can be hydrogen, lithium, boron, magnesium, titanium, or iron. Additionally, the component may carry a load. Components including isotopically enriched elements are also provided.