Abstract: The present invention provides a laser welding process and a holding fixture for holding a first and a second body during a laser welding process. A first body and a second body for welding together along at least one weld line to form a joined component are immobilised in the holding fixture by a back clamp and a front clamp of the fixture. A shielding gas is supplied, from respective plenums formed in the back and front clamps, to back and front sides of the component along the weld line. Laser welding the first and second bodies together along the weld line, the laser weld thus-formed penetrating from the front side to the back side of the component.