Abstract: An explanation of the redistribution of impurity atoms such as Al, Si, Mn and Cu in pure nickel during low speed laser melting is made by one-dimensional analysis model for heat transfer. The solid-liquid interface solute redistribution seems to be the principal cause that makes the impurity atoms redistribute in the depth direction. The diffusion of impurity atoms from low to high temperature zones and their surface selective evaporation are believed to be noticeably contributed to the redistribution.

Key words: Ni, laser melting, impurity atom, redistribution