The optical microscope and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technology were used to observe and analyze the microstructure and crystal orientation of 316L stainless steel under different scanning angles of selective laser melting (SLM). The relationship between scanning angle and molten pool formation, solidification, tensile strength and elongation was studied. The results show that the anisotropy of the crystal changes with the laser scanning angle. The scanning angle directly affects the stability of the obtained molten pool and the temperature gradient during solidification, and also further affects the uniformity of the final crystal. The results shows that the tensile strength and elongation of the workpiece changed. Therefore, the structure and mechanical properties of the shaped part can be controlled by changing the angle of the scanning direction.