Abstract: A process gas and a process of laser machining, such as laser beam fusion cutting or laser beam welding is provided. A gas mixture that contains at least oxygen and hydrogen, in addition to an inert has, is used as the process gas. The ratio of oxygen to hydrogen in the process gas is hypostoichiometric with respect to the reaction 2 H2+O2+?2 H2O, which causes the process gas to exhibit a reductive effect.