<p>Micro-dimples on metallic structures have numerous applications in enhancing tribological and lubrication properties. It could be more effective if the topographical geometries of the produced micro-dimples are appropriately sized. This work delves into critical insights into the topographical details of pulsed laser-produced micro-dimples through numerical modelling. A transient finite element method based on a thermo-physical model has been developed to predict the dimensions of micro-dimples on the Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The high-fidelity developed model's novelty lies in its consideration of coupled heat transfer and a deformed-mesh tool. It also employs a Gaussian-based profile, a moving heat source, temperature-dependent thermal properties, and the effects of the surrounding medium's natural convection and radiation. The model's efficacy has been assessed by validating it against available experimental data from the literature. Additionally, a parametric investigation is carried out, considering pulse width, pulse power, and pulse frequency as input parameters, and micro-dimple depth, diameter, spacing, and areal density as output responses, for predicted micro-dimples in the scanning direction. The key findings of the present coupled thermo-physical model are that micro-dimple geometry and spacing are primarily controlled by pulse power, pulse width, scanning speed, and pulse frequency. Increasing laser pulse power and pulse width increases micro-dimple depth and diameter. It is evident that the maximum micro-dimple depth of 66&#xa0;µm is achieved at the maximum power, whereas the maximum spacing of 250&#xa0;µm is observed at the lower frequency. Further, a thermal defect was observed with excessive pulse power and more interaction time; therefore, optimized parameter selection using the developed model is recommended to balance micro-dimple quality and surface integrity for industrial applications.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>