Abstract: A comparison between the analytical methods of multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) and genetic algorithm optimizing neural networks was made for predicting the geometric form of laser cladding. The corresponding relationship between main processing parameters (laser power, scanning volocity and powder mass flow rate) and the geometrric form of clad(ding width, height and depth of the penetration into she substrate) was affirmed.The result proved the feasiblity of using MLRA to predict the geometric form of laser ding and the averrage relative error of five test values was 2.49%. In comparison,the former is convenient in applic ation by which functional relationship between parameters such as width, height and depth of the penetration and so on. While the later produces a better precision and a invisible function relationship with a more complex operation process. Often the MLRA method is usuallyre commended.