This study presents a thorough literature review on the powder-bed laser additive manufacturing processes such as selective laser melting of Inconel 718 parts. This article first introduces the general aspects of powder-bed laser additive manufacturing and then discusses the unique characteristics and advantages of selective laser melting. The bulk of this study includes extensive discussions of microstructures and mechanical properties, together with the application ranges of Inconel 718 parts fabricated by selective laser melting.