The use of continuous wave Nd:YAG lasers for the welding of sheet metal parts of superalloys was investigated. Laser butt welds were made in AISI 410, austenitic 18/8 stainless steel and aircraft-grade superalloys Haynes 25 and Inconel 718 (1.6, 2, 2.1 and 3.2 mm thickness) using single- and dual-focusing optics. Microstructure, appearance, porosity, weld quality and solidification were determined. Solidification of the molten material in the weld bead can be controlled using Nd:YAG continuous wave laser with special focusing optics