Effect of processing parameters on surface roughness, porosity and cracking of as-built IN738LC parts fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

•Processing parameters have significant effect on printing qualities during LPBF.•Rayleigh instability and Marangoni convection can deteriorate the surface quality.•Pores are caused by lack of fusion and keyhole regarding to different VEDs.•Residual stress and solidification time affect crack density related to parameters.•VED of ∼ 48 J/mm3 is optimal for building IN738LC components by LPBF.