Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for joining materials as well as articles manufactured using such processes. The invention pertains to a process for joining a first substrate to a second substrate. The process includes irradiating a portion of a first substrate with a laser beam having a first wavelength and intensity sufficient to increase the absorbance of the first substrate to light having a second, different wavelength. The laser beam may carbonize at least a portion of the irradiated portion of the first substrate imparting a higher absorbance to light than non-irradiated portions of the first substrate. A second substrate is then placed in contact with the irradiated portion of the first substrate. The first substrate is then irradiated with a second laser having a second wavelength, different to the first wavelength; with a sufficient intensity to heat and, preferably melt, the irradiated portion of the first substrate.