The correlation between microstructure and tensile properties of selective laser melting (SLM) processed STS 316L and Inconel 718 were investigated at various heights (top, middle and bottom) and planes (YZ, ZX and XY). Columnar grains and dendrites were formed by directional growth during solidification. The average melt pool width and depth, and scan track width were similar in both specimens due to fixed processing parameters. SLM Inconel 718 has moderate tensile strength (1165 MPa) and tensile elongation (11.5%), whereas SLM STS 316L has outstanding tensile strength (656 MPa) and tensile elongation (75%) compared to other SLM processed STS 316L. Fine columnar diameter (0.5 μm) and dense microstructures (porosity: 0.35%) in SLM STS 316L promoted the enhancement of tensile elongation by suitable processing condition. Fractographic analysis suggested that the lack of fusion pore with unmelted powder should be avoided to increase tensile properties by controlling processing parameters.