In this study an investigation of surface roughness and morphology is presented for laser melted stainless steel 316L alloy. Single track formation has been produced using different laser process parameters. Furthermore, macro, micro and surface roughness has been analyzed using metallurgical tools like macroscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and surface profilometer. The paper investigates the key contributing factors influencing the surface roughness of the laser melted part. The surface morphology and roughness provides valuable information to improve the surface quality of laser melted parts. © 2013 University of Manchester and the authors.