Experiments on longitudinally laser welding thin brass tube for radiators were carried out in a tube forming machine in a recently installed laser workstation. A CO2 laser with a circular polarised laser beam was used. The influences of laser power, welding speed, shielding gas (He, Ar, N2), position of the welding point and angle of incidence of the laser beam were determined. Brass strips of 0.12 mm and 0.94 mm thickness were welded. Some limited trials were also carried out on thin copper strip (0.12 mm thickness). Practical considerations in equipment operation are discussed. Process economics and benefits are considered and compared with soldering and HF welding