Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laser treating lead-containing battery grids such that virtually instantaneous melting and solidfication occurs, thereby yielding an improved fine-grained microstructure even with such normally immiscible (in lead) metals as aluminum. The invention also permits a high aluminum content without the metal vaporization and oxidation, or the coarse grain structure, normally encountered. The fine grain structure of the treated product provides a battery grid having improved weight, electrical, mechanical and corrosion-resistant properties.