Laser cutting works by focusing a laser beam (emitted from CO₂, fiber, or YAG lasers) to generate high temperatures on the material surface. This causes the material to melt, vaporize, or oxidize. At the same time, auxiliary gases (such as oxygen or nitrogen) are used to blow away the molten slag, ultimately forming a cutting kerf.
Laser welding uses a laser beam to locally melt materials, which form a weld seam after cooling. It is divided into two types: heat conduction welding (low energy, shallow penetration depth) and deep penetration welding (high energy, forming a "keyhole" effect).