<p>Laser micro-melting is a widely utilized technique for material surface treatment. However, the mechanisms of heat and mass transfer during the process remain unclear. This study establishes a three-dimensional finite volume model to investigate the molten pool dynamics on the surface of 304 stainless steel during laser micro-melting. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is employed to track the free surface between two phases, while the enthalpy-porosity method is utilized to simulate the melting and solidification processes of the workpiece. The model incorporates volumetric forces such as gravity, thermal buoyancy, and recoil pressure. Using Fluent software, the governing equations for mass, momentum, and energy conservation are solved to calculate the temperature distribution and volume fraction distribution during the process. The study evaluates the effects of laser power, pulse width, and recoil pressure variations on molten pool dynamics. Simulation results indicate that during the heating phase, the material reaches its melting point, forming a molten pool in which the melt flows under the influence of gravity, surface tension, and recoil pressure. The material at the center of the heat source undergoes slight evaporation due to the recoil pressure. After the heat source is removed, the recoil pressure dissipates, and the rapid change in temperature gradient induces variations in surface tension. Combined with thermal buoyancy, these forces drive upward flow of the material, resulting in the formation of a protrusion. By comparing the model's predictions with experimental results, the transient process of protrusion formation and molten pool dynamics during laser micro-melting is elucidated with significant accuracy.</p>