Review of laser microwelding and micromachining

The relevant characteristics of lasers for microwelding and micromachining applications are discussed, and practical lasers having suitable characteristics for these purposes are reviewed. The physics of the melting and machining mechanism is considered, and the limitations of heat-conduction-based models of the process are pointed out. Experimental results of microwelding and micromachining studies are presented or reviewed. The requirements of a work table for precision machining using a laser are discussed and the potentiality of a beam-deflection system is considered.