The possibility of the layer-by-layer synthesis of 3D parts from nitrides of titanium or aluminum by selective laser sintering/melting is discussed. The relationship between laser processing parameters and structure and phase content of sintered/melted samples are studied by means of optical metallography, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Optimal parameters of SLM process for AlN and TiN synthesis are determined. Solid 3D parts containing a TiN phase are produced from Ti powder. Distortion of the crystalline lattice of AlN and TiN phases is observed with the laser energy input. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.