Abstract
A theoretical heat-flow model incorporating with a constant moving CO$_{2}$ laser beam has been analyzed to predict depth and the shape of bead section during last beam welding. The laser beam is exponentially attenuated with an abosrption coefficient in the material. The solution can be expressed in terms of normalized variables. The experimental data were generated by usint CW 2 CO$_{2}$ laser with multi beam mode and CW 3 kW CO$_{2}$laser with Gaussian mode. The specimens were made as bead-on-plate welds for SM 10C, STS 304, STS 316, STS 420 and pure Nickel. The maximum possible penetration depth and the shape of beas section for given sources of laser power, travel speed and beam spot size can be prdicted with this model in a given material.