The performance and quality of SLM by using thicker layers of thickness 250 pm were investigated. The fine powder used can effectively reduce the pore area during SLM. Single-track experiments were conducted to select the optimal combination of exposure time and point distance to narrow down the process parameter windows. In multi-layer fabrication, experimental groups with higher relative densities of 99.99% were observed, and the maximum building rate reached 9 mm(3)/s. Auxiliary processing technology, such as surface remelting, can greatly improve surface quality and reduce surface roughness. The microstructures are mainly equiaxed crystals and columnar crystals with a ratio greater than 1. The average values of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS) and elongation (EL) are 670 MPa, 474 MPa and 26%, respectively. Hence, the overall performance is better by using thicker layers. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.