These recommended practices present a description of laser beam equipment and procedures that can be used for welding, cutting, drilling, and transformation hardening of various materials. These recommended practices stress the process basics, parameters, and applications. Practical information has been included in the form of figures, tables, and graphs which should prove useful in determining capabilities and limitations in the processing of various materials. Readers who desire additional information about lasers and laser materials processing should consult the Reference Documents shown in Annex A, as well as the various references given throughout this document.
