The mech. performance of a series of AA5083 friction stir welds has been analyzed using a laser-based strain mapping technique. The data from this technique can be used to create strain maps of the sample as it deforms or converted into stress-strain curves for any surface region of the sample. The data gained from this novel technique were rationalized with respect to the hardness profiles and microstructure of the welds. The 0.2% yield stress has been measured as a function of distance from the weld centerline without the need for cutting out many test-pieces. [on SciFinder (R)]