Influence of layer thickness on formation quality, microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of WE43 magnesium alloy fabricated by laser powder bed fusion

•The influence of layer thickness (LT) was clarified during L-PBF of WE43 alloy.•A larger LT resulted in higher energy input, deeper penetration, higher tendency to porosity.•The tensile strength, ductility and corrosion rate increased with increasing LT, owing to more precipitation phases, decreased grain size and texture.•The influence was explained by the material characteristics and the additive process.•A relatively large LT is recommended if formation quality and accuracy is acceptable.