Laser forming is a new flexible forming method without rigid tools, the sheet metal is formed by internal thermal stresses induced by laser. On the base of analyzing the principal factors, the relativity between the material properties and temperature is considered, and a thermo - mechanical model is established. Meanwhile the laser spot is simplified properly, and the heat flux is exerted through a USER SUBROUTINE automatically. Using the finite element method, the three - dimensional laser forming process is simulated numerically. The forming process of a cylindrical part is analyzed, and the principal rules of planning the scanning paths in laser forming are put forward.