Abstract: A method of joining a first and a second object, each object having a substantially flat surface. The method includes the steps of: placing the objects with their surfaces in a contacting relationship along an interface, with their surfaces substantially parallel, the interface having a peripheral edge, irradiating a laser beam with a focal point onto the peripheral edge in the direction of the interface while the plates are in a contacting relationship, and moving the focal point of the laser beam along the interface in a direction transversely to the edge, to a position at a distance from the edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for laser brazing a first member to a second member using a laser brazing head. The laser brazing head has means for generating a first laser beam and a second laser beam. The method comprises the steps of: arranging the first member in contact with the second member such that a junction is formed there-between; providing a filler material in the vicinity of said junction, and passing the laser brazing head along the junction such that the first laser beam melts the filler material to at least partially fill said junction to form a brazed joint. The second laser beam then effects a post heat treatment of the brazed joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for laser brazing a first member to a second member using a laser brazing head. The laser brazing head has means for generating a first laser beam and a second laser beam. The method comprises the steps of: arranging the first member in contact with the second member such that a junction is formed there-between; providing a filler material in the vicinity of said junction, and passing the laser brazing head along the junction such that the first laser beam melts the filler material to at least partially fill said junction to form a brazed joint. The second laser beam then effects a post heat treatment of the brazed joint.