Effect of laser energy absorption model on the simulated temperature profile in SLM. (a)–(c) Absorption intensity and distribution using surface flux, volumetric exponential decay and modified 1D-RTE models respectively. (d)–(f) The corresponding melt pool morphology, T-profile and velocity field simulated. (h)–(i) The corresponding simulated cooling curves at a point on top surface and at a point on the bottom of built layer respectively. (g) OM image of the heat affected zone in printed material. (j) Illustration of scanning patterns.