System and method for holding a workpiece in position for laser machining and/or welding thereof

A method for holding a workpiece in position and for exposing the workpiece to laser radiation, said workpiece having

• a workpiece bottom surface and
• a workpiece top surface, said workpiece bottom surface and said workpiece top surface being electrically insulated from each other,
• said method comprising the following steps:
• a) providing a system comprising:
• a first electrostatic charge generating device for generating electrostatic charges on said workpiece top surface;
• an electrically conductive support for forming electrostatic charges of opposite signs to those generated by said electrostatic charge generating device on said workpiece bottom surface;
• a laser device for laser machining or welding said workpiece;
• b) positioning said workpiece on said electrically conductive support;
• c) activating said first electrostatic charge generating device to generate electrostatic charges on said workpiece top surface so as to form electrostatic charges of opposite signs to those generated by said electrostatic charge generating device on said workpiece bottom surface to hold said workpiece in position on said electrically conductive support;
• d) irradiating said workpiece with said laser device for laser machining or welding.