Abstract: The microstructure, microhardness and corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel formed by selective laser melting (SLM) and rolled 316L stainless steel were compared. It is found that although the forming quality of SLM formed stainless steel is high, there are still some defects such as pores and unmelted holes. Because the unique processing method of SLM affects the grains, the microstructure of 316L stainless steel side formed by SLM is different from that of rolled stainless steel, which is mainly columnar crystal. The hardness of SLM formed 316L stainless steel is much higher than that of rolled stainless steel. Due to the influence of grain size and porosity, the average microhardness of the top surface is slightly higher than that of the side surface. And the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel formed by SLM is slightly better than that of rolling. The results show that SLM formed 316L stainless steel has good hardness and corrosion resistance.