Technological parameters such as laser beam energy, laser spot, scanning velocity, scanning times, scanning path and thickness of sheet metal were varied in the test of AISI304-sheet metal bending with thermal stress induced by laser. Comparative analysis has been done on the effects of different process parameters in bending test under the condition of water-cooling, and the relationships were discussed. At the same time, the orthotropic experiment has been done to optimize the interrelated parameters. The results showed that there was no bending for 0.6 mm thickness of AISI304sheet steel under the condition of water cooling when linear energy density was less than 80 J/mm; the best value of the linear energy density was between 150 and 180 J/mm for it; the technological parameters such as the thickness of sheet metal, laser spot and scanning times have greatly effect on the bending angle. And the ablation and stability of bending for AISI304sheet metal in the experiment has been evaluated as well. The new idea of sheet forming by laser thermal stress based on water-cooling was put forward, which provided the experimental foundation to accurately control the sheet forming by laser induced thermal stress.